


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 


ChapTBd^ Copyright No, 
Shelf. 


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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 







































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fck Phil, Father Wants to See You in His Room.” 


Page 5 



ON 


SCHEDULE TIME 



JAMES OTIS 

AUTHOR OF “ TOBY TYLER,’ U MR. STUBBS’ BROTHER,” 
RAISING THE PEARL,” ETC. 



NEW YORK 
THOMAS WHITTAKER 


2 AND } BIBLE HOUSE 





Copyright, 1896, 

By Thomas Whittaker, 




- 3m 


c 




BURR PRINTING H0U8E, NEW YORK. 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


CHAPTER I. 

BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 

“That finishes our portion of the work,” 
Philip Ainsworth said as he wiped the perspira- 
tion from his face and looked with satisfaction 
at the neatly packed and well-secured camp 
equipage piled high upon the baggage wagon. 
“ If Aunt Lois and the girls have done their 
tasks as well, there’s no question but we can 
leave here on schedule time to-morrow morn- 
ing.” 

“ There’s a question in my mind as to whether 
that load can be packed again in the same com- 
pass,” Phil’s cousin, Dick Fullerton, said mus- 
ingly. “ It must weigh at least half a ton.” 

“Not more than that, and it won’t be a heavy 
load for so stout a horse as Jack.” 


2 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ 1 suppose he can pull it readily enough ; 
but it’s so bulky I’m afraid it will be difficult to 
get everything back into the wagon.” 

66 Practice will make us perfect, and I count 
on our being able to do it very easily two weeks 
from to-day.” 

“ Do you know, Phil, I can hardly realize we 
are on the eve of such a trip as we anticipate.” 

“ One day’s work setting up tents, grooming 
horses and carrying water, will soon convince 
you of that fact.” 

“ When your letter came, stating that uncle 
was willing you and Gladys should spend the 
month of October among the hills and lakes of 
Maine, regularly camping out, it seemed about 
as improbable as anything to be found in the 
‘ Arabian Nights.’ ” 

“Yet you and Alice did not waste much time 
in coming here to Bangor.” 

“ I thought if uncle was in the humor it 
would not be wise to loiter too long, lest he 
might change his mind. When Alice and I 
spoke about it to mother, she said she could 
understand why Uncle Ainsworth should be 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


3 


willing for his children to go on such a jaunt, 
because, being interested in lumbering opera- 
tions, he knew thoroughly the country over 
which they would travel, and has had a good 
bit of experience himself. But why Aunt Lois 
Hammatt, a woman whom I would as soon sus- 
pect of meditating a trip to the moon as of being 
willing to live in a canvas tent during the 
month of October, and camping in the woods 
at that, should agree to go, surprised us all. 
Why, she is afraid of a mouse when she comes 
to our home, and believes she literally takes her 
life in her hands while crossing a city street if 
there is a vehicle to be seen in either direction. 
Now she proposes to rough it with us !” 

“ Well, you see it was necessary some one 
should go to look out for the girls, and she 
offered herself as the victim. I believe that 
every hour since the trip was decided upon she 
has added some different powder or pill to her 
medicine chest, and now has nearly everything 
that can be thought of, from quinine to pepper- 
mint. I tried to prevent her laying in a store 
of ointment warranted to keep black flies at a 


4 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


distance by telling her we shouldn’t see any in- 
sects of the kind at this season of the year ; but, 
looking ahead for trouble as she always is, she 
decided it was better to carry it than to be de- 
prived of it in case anything of the sort should 
be needed. But say, this is quick work ! You 
arrived on the morning train, and in consider- 
ably less than twelve hours we are ready for the 
journey.” 

u Yes, thanks to the fact that you had every- 
thing prepared. I don’t even know of what the 
outfit consists, save that there are so many bags 
and packages. ” 

“ You will become better acquainted with the 
contents of that wagon by this time to-morrow. 
When the first halt is' made we shall put up a 
tent for the horses, another for Aunt Lois and 
the girls, and a third for ourselves, which last I 
propose shall also answer as cook-tent. The 
folding boat you have seen. The cameras will 
be carried in the surrey, for I don’t think it safe 
to pack them among such a cargo as this. The 
cooking utensils are the same I used last year ; 
and the provisions — well, you know about what 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


5 


they should he, and I don’t think there is any- 
thing lacking.” 

“ Where do you intend to stop to-morrow 
night ?” 

“ Probably at Milo. According to the pro- 
gramme I have laid out, which shall be sub- 
mitted to all hands later, the first long stop will 
be made at Schoodic Lake, which is situated 
about seven miles north of Milo.” 

“ Phil, father wants to see you in his room,” 
and Gladys Ainsworth appeared in the doorway 
with something very like a mournful expression 
on her face. 

“ What is the matter?” Phil asked quickly. 
“ Anything wrong ?” 

“ I don’t know, but am afraid there is. From 
what I heard him say to mother, it seems as if 
something had happened to prevent our going 
away to-morrow morning.” 

“ To prevent it !” Phil cried in dismay, and 
Dick started to his feet in alarm. “ If anything 
of that kind happens we can set it down as 
Aunt Lois’ fault. I suspected she didn’t want 
to make this trip !’ ’ 


6 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ But it isn’t Aunt Lois this time, Phil — in- 
deed it isn’t. It’s something in regard to busi- 
ness. Father has gone to bed sick, and—” 

4 4 Why, I saw him go down-town this after- 
noon.” 

“ Yes ; but he came back half an hour ago, 
and went at once to his room. He wants to see 
you immediately. ” 

“ But it doesn’t seem possible uncle could have 
grown ill so suddenly that it is necessary to put an 
end to the excursion,” Dick said, half to himself. 

“I don’t understand what the trouble is. 
Something happened, that is evident. If Phil 
will go and see father there’ll be no need of our 
standing here speculating.” 

Phil acted upon the suggestion by disappear- 
ing within the house, and Gladys and her cousin 
Dick discussed in mournful tones the possibility 
of an untimely ending of the projected pleasure 
trip even before it was begun. 

While these disappointed ones were trying to 
conjecture the possible cause of the threatened 
disappointment, Aunt Lois came into the yard 
in a high state of excitement. 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


7 


This mental condition was nothing surprising, 
for Aunt Lois’ tiny body often quivered with 
excitement under circumstances which would 
have seemed commonplace to the majority of 
people. 

u I shall go with the party, Gladys, now that 
I have made up my mind, regardless of what 
your father and mother may say. It was a long 
time before I would consent to undertake what 
seemed such a perilous journey ; but once the 
decision has been made, I shall carry out my 
portion of the plan unless positive dangers bar 
my way.” 

“ What is it, Aunt Lois ? What has hap- 
pened to prevent our excursion to the lakes, 
and why do you speak as if some might go, 
while others will be forced to remain ?” 

“ Well, you see, your father being sick pre- 
vents him from attending to his business in the 
woods.” 

“ Mother didn’t say he was dangerously 
ill.” 

“ Of course not, child, because he isn’t. He 
is simply worn out by the excitement of the 


8 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


lawsuit and the disappointment of having lost 
what he considered a just cause.” 

“ But how does that affect us, Aunt Lois ?” 
Dick asked in bewilderment. 

“ How does it ? Why, if your uncle can’t go 
to this township, such a number, range some- 
thing — I’ve forgotten what — what’s to be done ? 
He says it will be a jaunt that neither the girls 
nor I should undertake.” 

“ Are the boys to go ?” Gladys asked. 

“ Of course. Benner must be warned, other- 
wise it might cause very serious trouble for your 
father. ’ ’ 

“ Benner must be warned !” Gladys repeat- 
ed. “Now, Aunt Lois, we don’t understand 
anything, and you evidently do. Why not ex- 
plain ?” 

“ Bless you, child, I have explained. Didn’t 
I tell you that, since your father can’t go and 
there is no possibility of sending word by any 
other means, it is all that can be done. I am 
sure it will be very terrible ; but everything has 
been made ready for the excursion, so why 
should any one remain at home ?’ ’ 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


9 


“ That is what I can’t understand,” Gladys 
replied, with a long-drawn sigh. “ It is evident 
you are too much excited to explain.” 

“ Aunt Lois can quiet herself without further 
delay,” Phil cried as he came from the house, 
looking anything rather than sorrowful. “ The 
excursion will not be delayed, but the purpose 
of it is to be changed very decidedly. I’ll go 
into full particulars for Dick’s benefit, since he 
is not supposed to be well informed on father’s 
affairs. He owns, or thought he did, the right 
to cut timber in Township Eight, Range Four- 
teen. A dispute arose regarding the ownership, 
and this afternoon the case was decided against 
him. How, it seems that Benner, who has 
charge of the business, went into the woods in 
September with a gang of men under instruc- 
tions to begin operations promptly on the seven- 
teenth of this month — that is to say, exactly six 
days from to-day. Since it has been decided 
that father has no right to cut timber there, it 
would be a very serious matter — perhaps con- 
tempt of court — for his men to begin work. 
Therefore it is necessary Benner should be 


10 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


warned, and there is no means of reaching him 
except by private messenger. He is to take 
timber from a different locality, and father 
desires that the spot decided upon shall remain 
a secret — for a while at least — lest further com- 
plications ensue. Being unable to go himself — 
not that he is really sick, but simply unfitted 
for the journey — he proposes Dick and I act as 
his messengers.” 

“ A very simple affair, it seems to be,” Dick 
said, in a tone of satisfaction. “ I had as soon 
go through to this lumbering camp within the 
time set as to spend that number of days hunt- 
ing and fishing, for probably we shall find plenty 
of game up there . 5 ’ 

“No question about it. The only drawback 
is that we must do it in six days ; and it will be 
no easy matter, if anything should happen to 
delay us even for a few hours. Father has made 
out a schedule, according to which we are to 
drive the first day to Milo, thirty-five miles from 
here. That can easily be done, because the roads 
are good. From there we are to go to the Joe 
Mary Lakes, which will give us twenty miles of 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


11 


very bad travelling. The third day we are to make 
the West Branch, and there ford — a journey of 
eighteen miles over about as rough a country as 
you will care to see, and a hard day’s work. 
Then thirty miles from the ford to Chamberlain 
Lake. From this last point we are to make our 
way as best we can to Township Eight, Range 
Fourteen, a distance of twenty miles, leaving us 
the sixth day in which to find the men at the 
upper end of the township.” 

“ But, Philip, I decided I would go with you 
in order to take care of the girls, and I see no 
reason why the proposed excursion should be 
abandoned, even though you are forced to make 
such a hurried journey.” 

“ Father thought that having you with us 
might cause delay ; but he is willing you and 
the girls should go, providing we promise to 
leave you at any point where we find it impossi- 
ble to proceed with the entire party as fast as 
we could alone.” 

“ Leave us, Philip ! Do you mean to say your 
father, who is my brother as well, is willing that 
his sister, his niece, and his daughter shall be 


12 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


abandoned in the wild, wild woods, to be eaten 
by ravening wolves or torn to pieces by mali- 
cious bears ?” 

“ He didn’t propose that anything of the kind 
should happen, Aunt Lois,” Phil replied with 
a laugh. “ His idea was that we would put up 
the tents, leaving you and the girls in them for 
a day or two without fear of wolves or of bears. 
There could be no danger, Aunt Lois.” 

“ I am positive you are mistaken, Philip, for 
when I was a girl 1 read in the papers an ac- 
count of wolves dragging a stage-driver from his 
seat and very nearly devouring him, only spar- 
ing two of his limbs, which could be of no bene- 
fit to the poor man after the remainder of his 
body had been eaten.” 

“ But that happened a great many years ago, 
Aunt Lois,” Phil replied, as soon as he could 
smother the laughter which beset him, “and 
wolves are not as plentiful in this State as they 
were then. However, if you object to that por- 
tion of the plan, Dick and I must set out alone.” 

“ I may object, Philip, but I shall not recede 
from the decision 1 arrived at before we wrote 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


13 


to your cousins. I am quite certain you are mis- 
taken in regard to the scarcity of wolves in that 
section, and feel positive we shall incur great 
danger ; yet at the same time it is my duty 
to do as I promised, since, if I should recon- 
sider my determination, it would prevent Gladys 
and Alice from accompanying you.” 

“ You’re a dandy, that’s what you are, Aunt 
Lois !” Dick exclaimed emphatically. “ This 
attempting to travel a certain distance on sched- 
ule time only makes the excursion more pleas- 
ing ; and if the girls are to go with us, why, 
hurrah for Township Fourteen, Range Eighty- 
one !” 

“ It is Township Eight, Range Fourteen,” 
Phil interrupted. 

“ Never mind the figures, so long as we are 
bound on a mission which necessitates our get- 
ting through in six days. Now what’s to be 
done ?” 

“ Nothing, except go to bed in order that we 
may be up before daylight to see if Jack and 
Bessie are properly cared for. You agreed to 
ride on the baggage wagon, and, of course, this 


14 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


change in our programme does not affect the 
order of travelling.” 

“ Not in the slightest, although I’ve had no 
experience as a driver.” 

“ There’ll be little to do save hold the reins. 
Old Jack will follow anywhere Bessie leads. 
How suppose we bottle up as much sleep as 
possible. Father is to send written instructions 
to Benner, and promises to have them ready be- 
fore we start.” 

Dick was willing to act upon his cousin’s sug- 
gestion ; but wooing slumber at this unusual 
hour, and with so much to occupy his thoughts, 
was not an easy matter. 

“ It’s no use for me to try to sleep now ; and 
unless you feel differently inclined, Phil, sup- 
pose you tell me why Benner went into the 
woods last month, if he hasn’t gone to work 
yet?” 

“ It takes quite a while to get ready for 
operations.” 

“ In what way? Doesn’t he simply go in 
and chop down the trees ?” 

“ Not exactly, at first. There is a great deal 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


15 


of preparatory work to be done. Father em- 
ploys a hundred and twenty men and fifty-five 
horses. They must have camps and stables, 
roads made, provisions for the men and feed for 
the horses to last the entire winter, for after 
the snow comes it is very often difficult, if not 
impossible, to get into the camp from the outer 
world. When Benner started in, in September, 
he knew the locality where he was to work ; 
but it was necessary for him to decide exactly 
where to begin and where the nearest waterways 
were, for the lumber must be floated down in 
the spring. lie probably took two men with 
him, found this township, and located the camps 
— that is to say, he blazed the sites for the main 
hut, the stables and other buildings, leaving the 
construction for the next gang which should 
arrive. Then he and his assistants struck 
through the township, examining not only the 
trees, but the lay of the land, ascertaining how 
far it would be necessary to haul the logs to the 
lakes or streams, blazing roads, and in this way 
acquainting themselves thoroughly with the 
stum page.” 


16 


ON SCHEDULE TIME . 


“ With what V ’ 

“ The land which is to be cut over, with the 
trees on it, is called the stumpage. The word 
really means, in this State, the right to cut tim- 
ber, as, for instance, father probably does not 
own the land in that township, but simply the 
stumpage ; or, in other words, the privilege of 
taking away the timber. Now, after Benner’s 
first work has been done he sends word for a 
portion of the crew to join him.” 

“ How much are the men paid ?” 

“ From fifteen to thirty dollars a month. 
The cook usually gets forty ; but the cookee — 
the man or boy who assists the cook — receives 
the lowest wages. The men generally start for 
the woods in gangs. Of the hundred and 
twenty hired by father, perhaps forty of them 
will go in first and set about building the log 
camps, roofing them with what are called splits, 
meaning cedar logs roughly split into boards, 
and the whole covered with tarred paper. 
Sometimes there is a window in the roof, but 
nearly always at least one in the side of the hut. 
The door is made of boards, and the floor is 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


17 


sometimes the earth beaten down hard, and 
sometimes poles smoothed on one side to make 
it partially flat.” 

“ Do they build their own furniture ?” 

“ Yes, such as it is. There is a tier of bunks 
on one side of the shanty, and on the other usu- 
ally a hewn log set up on legs for a bench. 
Perhaps there will be a stool here and there 
made out of the trunk of a tree sawn off to the 
required height ; but the deacon’s seat, as the 
long one is called, is about all they appear to 
think necessary. In front of that is a table with 
the top formed of boards and covered with oil- 
cloth, where the men eat. Oh, yes, there is 
almost always a barber’s chair, which is formed 
by driving into a log four poles for legs, with a 
board nailed on to form the back, and the whole 
set at an angle of forty-five degrees.” 

“ I shouldn’t think the men would care about 
shaving while they were in the woods.” 

“ Sundays, when there is nothing to be done, 
a good many of them shave each other ; but 
perhaps half of them raise a beard to avoid the 
trouble of using a razor. The bunks are filled 


18 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


with the tips of fir boughs, providing the men 
are not too lazy to pick them, for each must 
make his own bed, and the most industrious 
usually have the softest resting-place. Over 
these is spread a blanket, and each man has a 
blanket to cover him.” 

“ Do they keep everything in this one 
camp ?” 

“ No ; adjoining it is what is called a dingle, 
which means storehouse ; and very near that is 
the blacksmith’s shop, built of logs, as are the 
others.” 

“ Why do they need blacksmiths ?” 

“ The horses are to be shod, chains mended, 
cant-dogs repaired — ” 

“ What is a cant-dog ?” 

u A handspike made of maple, tipped with a 
pointed iron, and with a swinging arm or dog to 
nip the log, so the lumberman can get a lever- 
age on it. Outside the main hut is the bean- 
liole, and the men always take good care it shall 
be built properly.” 

“ What do you mean by a bean-hole ?” 

“ Where the brown bread and beans are 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


19 


baked ; and these are the most important items 
on the lumberman’s bill of fare, let me tell you. 
It is simply a hole in the ground, dug con- 
veniently near the door of the main shanty, and 
covered with a sort of shed from eight to ten 
feet square, and about the same in height. 
Every day at noon a big fire is started in the 
hole ; it is filled with hard wood, and when the 
fuel has been burned to coals the bean kettle, an 
enormous iron pot which will hold a bushel or 
more, is buried in the embers, with the brown 
bread beside it in earthen jars, and the whole 
covered with hot ashes, to be left until the next 
morning, when the beans and bread are served 
for breakfast. Precious good eating they 
are 1” 

“ When do they take the provisions into the 
woods ?” 

“ A portion is carried by the first gang, and 
the second complete the work, taking the horses 
with them also. By the time the last crew ar- 
rives the ‘ boss ’ is ready to begin operations. 
Then the crew is divided into choppers, swamp- 
ers, sled-tenders, yard-men, landing-men, team- 


20 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


sters, road-men, blacksmiths, and cooks. Thes 
in turn are divided into gangs. To every team 
of horses will be a teamster, two choppers, two 
swampers, two sled-tenders, and two yard-men. 
The choppers hew the trees, working together, 
one on each side of the trunk ; the swampers 
open the roads and clear away the undergrowth, 
so the sleds can be gotten to the logs ; the sled- 
tenders trim the trees, partially strip off the 
bark, and assist the teamsters in loading the 
sleds. The logs are hauled to the yard, which 
is an open space, where they may be piled up, 
and here the yard-men work.” 

“ Then they do not begin chopping until the 
snow comes ?” 

“ Oh, yes ; they run the sleds through the 
woods even when there is no snow ; but the 
work of hauling the logs from the yard to the 
streams down which they are to float in the 
spring, is not begun until there is at least six 
inches of snow. Once the logs are landed at 
the waterway they are measured — scaled, it is 
called — and the number of feet of lumber in 
each stick of timber thus ascertained. Then the 


BUSINESS VS. PLEASURE. 


21 


logs are marked, and the stream does the re- 
mainder of the work.” 

“ How marked ?” 

“ Each operator has a certain brand of his 
own, the same as cattlemen have. For instance, 
father’s is the Homan characters for nineteen.” 

“ Why does he take the trouble to cut that ?” 

“ When the logs are brought down the river 
in the spring by men who are known as ‘ river 
drivers,’ they arrive here in Bangor, a short dis- 
tance above the city, at what is called the main 
boom, and a dozen operators may have logs 
there, therefore every one is marked in order 
that each man’s property may be sorted out. 
Last year father cut six million feet of lumber, 
and he expects to do the same this season.” 

“ What do the men have to eat ?” 

“ For breakfast there are always baked beans, 
brown bread, tea, hot biscuit, sauce made of 
dried apples, doughnuts, and mince pie. At 
noon, baked beans, biscuit, tea, cold meat, 
apple-sauce and gingerbread ; but all the men 
are not at the camp for dinner. The cook or 
cookee carries the meal to those who are too far 


22 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


away to come in. Each day there is some 
variety for supper ; but the breakfast and din- 
ner is usually the same. For the last meal the 
men have soups, vegetables, codfish, smother — 
a mixture that is something like Irish stew — 
bean swagin, meaning beans stewed into a soup, 
and gingerbread, doughnuts, or pie. They do 
not remain idle in camp except on Sundays. 
Just as soon as it is light enough to see, the cook 
calls all hands to breakfast. Unless a man is 
sick he is obliged to go to the table or to work, 
and they do not knock off until it is so dark that 
they cannot see their way in the woods. 
Then — ” 

The heavy breathing of Dick told that he had 
unconsciously journeyed into dreamland, and, 
quite naturally, Phil brought his descriptions of 
life among the lumbermen to an abrupt conclu- 
sion. 


CHAPTER II. 


MISCHIEF. 

It seemed to Dick as if slumber had but just 
closed his eyelids when he was awakened by a 
knocking at the chamber door, and heard Aunt 
Lois cry : 

u Come, boys, it is three o’clock !” 

“ The agreement was that we shouldn’t get 
up until four,” Dick replied ; and Phil, only 
half awake, muttered : 

“ It won’t be daylight until nearly six 
o'clock, so what’s the use of turning out at 
this time ?” 

“Now don’t begin the journey by being in- 
dolent, boys,” Aunt Lois said from the other 
side of the door. “ Something tells me that 
unless the utmost exertions are made we shall 
not succeed in the mission with which we are 
entrusted.” 

“ Something is always telling Aunt Lois that 


24 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


trouble is near at hand,” Phil whispered to his 
cousin, and then added aloud, u We’ll be up in 
time. Don’t fear for us. It isn’t sound com- 
mon sense to hang around an hour or two wait- 
ing for the day to break.” 

“ It isn’t common sense to lie in bed when 
you have got work to do,” Aunt Lois said, 
almost sharply. 

“ We might as well have started last night as 
to get up now,” Dick muttered, but neverthe- 
less leaped out of bed, for he was thoroughly 
awakened, and a single hour was all too short 
for a second journey into the land of dreams. 

When the boys descended from their chamber 
it appeared very much as if Aunt Lois had not 
retired during the night. Breakfast was already 
upon the table, and her travelling wraps — u twice 
as many as any woman could possibly need,” 
Phil whispered — were already stowed snugly in 
the surrey. 

The younger members of the party looked 
sleepy and almost ill humored because of having 
been aroused so early ; but little Aunt Lois ap- 
peared thoroughly happy as she bustled about, 


MISCHIEF. 


25 


something after the fashion of an active spar- 
row, prognosticating evil, while she made certain 
there was nothing lacking from the collection 
of medicines which might, by any possibility, be 
needed. 

Shortly after breakfast, and while the horses 
were being groomed, Mr. Ainsworth summoned 
the two boys to his room, and said in reply to 
Phil’s question : 

“ I am not really sick, my son, but simply in 
that bodily and mental condition where I am 
unable to do as I wish. I depend upon your 
going through to Benner in the time set, and 
again impress upon your minds the fact that it 
is of almost vital importance you reach him by 
the close of the sixth day. I have been per- 
suaded into giving my consent that Aunt Lois 
and the girls accompany you ; but it is coupled 
with the stipulation that at the first moment 
they retard your progress, you will leave them 
encamped. No harm can come to them any- 
where this side of Chesuncook Lake ; therefore 
do not hesitate to abandon them whenever by 
so doing you may possibly gain a few hours. 


26 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


Here are written instructions to Benner. I will 
tell you the substance of them, that the journey 
may not have been in vain if you should lose the 
letter. He is under no circumstances to begin 
operations in Township Eight, Range Fourteen ; 
and if he thinks there is yet time to prepare for 
the winter’s work, let him proceed at once to 
Range Thirteen. I believe the trip as mapped 
out could be made by you on foot if the horses 
were disabled. Outside of the ordinary acci- 
dents of travel, it is possible some unscrupulous 
lumberman, learning of the difficulties which 
beset me because of this unlooked-for decision, 
may attempt to throw obstacles in your way ; no 
one would deliberately try by force to prevent 
you from going through. You are old enough 
to look out for your companions and yourselves, 
and at the same time avoid those who might de- 
tain you. I trust both implicitly, and again 
repeat that of all my business affairs, none are 
so important as this one of your getting through 
to Benner on time. I)o not remain idle when 
you can be pushing forward, and don’t allow 
anything in the way of sport to distract your 


MISCHIEF. 


27 


minds from the purpose of the journey. After 
that has been accomplished, you are at liberty to 
follow your own inclinations until the time 
originally set for the hunting tour to come to 
an end.” 

When the boys left Mr. Ainsworth’s chamber 
they had begun to believe that perhaps Aunt 
Lois might be excused for awakening them thus 
early, for until this moment they had not fully 
realized how important it was their mission 
should be accomplished. 

The day had not fully dawned when they 
drove through the yet sleeping city, as silent 
and care-laden a party as ever set out in search 
of pleasure. 

As the day grew older and the sun came up 
from behind the hills with his friendly greeting 
of warmth, the spirits of the young travellers 
were raised decidedly, and all save Aunt Lois 
appeared to think this finding Benner within six 
days was a much lighter task than they had at 
first fancied. 

They were riding over a good road, and the 
horses pressed forward as if eager for exercise. 


28 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ We are making six miles an hour at the 
very least,” Phil said, when the forenoon was 
half spent and they had stopped at the brow of 
a long hill to give the animals a breathing spell. 

“ At this rate we should be able to go farther 
than Milo to-day,” Dick replied, in a tone of sat- 
isfaction ; and Aunt Lois, who had hitherto 
remained comparatively quiet for one who was 
accustomed to fret about the merest trifles, ex- 
claimed : 

“ Now, boys, don’t overdo the thing ! Some- 
thing tells me it won’t be safe to urge the horses 
on any farther than your father advised ; and if 
we sleep at Milo to-night, we shall be doing all 
that is expected of us.” 

“ But the road beyond is so much rougher 
than this, that we ought to keep on as long as 
possible,’ ’ Gladys suggested. 

“ You are right ; and even if something does 
tell Aunt Lois that trouble is ahead waiting for 
us, I think we had better continue on to Schoo- 
dic Lake, which is only seven miles farther. 
That would leave us thirteen miles for to-mor- 
row’s journey, and will cost as much labor as 


MISCHIEF. 


29 


we shall have expended to-day, if the stories 
Benner told me last summer were true.” 

“ But, Philip, it is wisest to do as was de- 
cided upon.” 

“ If we can get ahead of schedule time, Aunt 
Lois, we have gained just so many hours in 
event of a serious detention,” Phil replied de- 
cidedly, and then gave the word for the journey 
to be resumed. 

They were only ten miles from Milo when a 
halt was made by the side of the road for din- 
ner, and there was no longer a question in the 
minds of any of the party, save Aunt Lois, 
that they would camp on the shores of Schoodic 
Lake rather than on the outskirts of the town. 

A full hour was allowed for this noonday halt, 
and then the journey was continued, not to be 
interrupted until they were in the town of Milo, 
where Phil, uncertain as to the most direct road 
to the proposed camping-place, entered the one 
hotel for the purpose of making the necessary 
inquiries. 

Although not acquainted with any of the 
townspeople, Phil was not a stranger to them, 


30 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


for on several occasions, while travelling to and 
from the camp with his father, he had been 
a guest at the hotel. 

“ It looks like you was countin’ on a bit of 
sport/’ the landlord said, as he gazed through 
the window at the baggage-wagon without turn- 
ing his eyes in the direction of Phil. 

“ That’s what we intend to have. I want to 
put up the tents on the shore of Schoodic Lake, 
and am not certain which is the best road to 
take. Can you tell me V ’ 

“ If I can’t, I reckon there ain’t any man in 
Milo that can. Takin’ the women folks along, 
eh ?” 

“ My aunt, my sister, and my cousin. In 
which direction shall I drive to find the best 
camping-place ?” 

“ Ain’t Mr. Ainsworth cornin’ up this way 
before Benner begins work, or did his losin’ 
the lawsuit kinder knock the vim out of him ?” 

“ I don’t know what father may do. He was 
sick when we left Bangor.” 

“ What’s the matter ?” 

“ Nothing serious, 1 hope. The doctor 


MISCHIEF. 


31 


seemed to think it was a case of nerves rather 
than anything else.” 

“ An’ I allow his’n got a pretty good shakin’ 
up when the case went agin him, though the 
most of us ’round here allowed he was a leetle 
off the straight course when he claimed that 
stump age.” 

“ But he had bought and paid for it, therefore 
I can’t see why he shouldn’t have claimed it,” 
Phil replied hotly. 

“ That is as may be. There’s always two 
sides to a story, my boy, an’ I allow the peoples 
hereabouts feel friendly disposed toward your 
father, as they have a right to do ; but most of 
’em kinder had an idee that he hadn’t bought 
exactly what he thought.” 

“ If father made any wrongful claim it was 
through a mistake, and not from an intention to 
defraud other people.” 

“ I reckon you’re right there, my boy, for 
Ainsworth always dealt on the square, so far as 
I know ; but this time there can't be any ques- 
tion about the rights of the matter, seein’s how 
the court has decided agin him. I. allow Benner 


32 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


won’t do much work on Range Fourteen this 
winter.” 

u lie certainly will not, now it has been de- 
cided father has no rights in that section.” 

“ It would be a troublesome piece of business 
if he should go ahead, as he counted on doin’. I 
reckon Mr. Ainsworth will send him word to 
change the plan of operations, eh ?” 

“ Yes, that’s what I — ” 

Phil ceased speaking very suddenly, as he 
realized that he was on the point of making 
public what should be kept a secret. Re did 
not believe his father had an enemy in Milo, but 
at the same time he had been warned against 
disclosing the purpose of the journey, and added 
quickly : 

“ Will you tell me which road I had better 
take in order to find a good camping-place for 
the night ?” 

The other occupants of the hotel office, as well 
as the landlord, observed Phil’s slight confusion, 
and two of those present exchanged significant 
glances, which, however, were not observed by 
the young messenger. 


MISCHIEF. 


33 


“ Why don’t you put up here V ’ the landlord 
suggested. “ The black horse has got a decent- 
ly heavy load, and I allow you have come 
through from Bangor to-day.” 

“ Yes, we have, and would stop but for the 
fact that we started out with the tents, and want 
to use them. It is only seven miles farther, and 
there is no reason why we shouldn’t make it be- 
fore night.” 

“ You are right there, lad, more especially if 
you are in a hurry to get through, an’ I allow 
you are. After you pass the school-house up 
here about a quarter of a mile, bear to the right, 
and then take the first left-hand road. That’ll 
let you in among the hemlocks, where you’ll 
have a good chance to put up the tents decently 
near the water.” 

“ Thank you, sir,” and Phil left the office 
hurriedly, conscious, now it was too late to re- 
pair the error, that he had given the landlord 
and the loungers good reason to believe it was 
his purpose to push on in order to warn Ben- 
ner. 

“ We have only seven miles farther to drive, 


34 


01 V SCHEDULE TIME. 


and we’ll do it in an hoar and a quarter,” he 
said, in what lie intended should be a cheery tone, 
as he took his place in the surrey and urged Bes- 
sie forward. 

“ I hope you didn’t tell all those people 
where we are going, Philip?” Aunt Lois said 
almost before the journey was resumed, and 
while they could see half a dozen curious faces 
at the windows of the hotel. 

“ Of course I didn’t,” Phil replied, his 
cheeks reddening as he thought that while he 
might not have done so absolutely, he had cer- 
tainly betrayed the secret of his mission in a 
most incautious manner. 

“ Your father warned you that we must sim- 
ply pretend to be out on a pleasure excursion, 
and—” 

“ Now, Aunt Lois, I remember that quite as 
well as you do, and there is no reason why we 
should talk about it in the street, where any one 
may hear us, ” Phil replied impatiently, for the 
knowledge of his own carelessness vexed him 
more than he cared to admit. 

At four o’clock in the afternoon Phil turned 


MISCHIEF. 


35 


Bessie from the main road into the narrow track 
which led to the lake, halting at a cleared space 
twenty yards from the water, where there was no 
underbrush to impede the work of erecting the 
tents, as he said triumphantly : 

u ¥e are more than an hour ahead of time, 
which I call a pretty good beginning, and the 
horses haven’t suffered in the slightest because 
of the additional labor.” 

“ That is something we cannot be positive 
about, Philip,” Aunt Lois replied gravely. 
“ The animals do not appear to be suffering, 
but no one can say whether they will be in as 
good a condition for to-morrow’s work as if they 
had remained where your father supposes we 
are.” 

“ And since we sha’n’t be able to learn that 
definitely until to-morrow morning, there’s no 
reason why we should trouble our heads about it 
just now, Aunt Lois. You stay in the surrey 
until the tents are up ; Alice and Gladys must 
lend a hand.” 

Phil’s sister knew exactly how she could as- 
sist, owing to previous experiences ; while Dick 


36 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


and Alice, eager to learn, were soon able to ren- 
der material assistance. 

The stable- tent was the first to be erected, 
since it was important the horses should be 
housed and fed as soon as possible, and this 
portion of the work, as Phil explained, was the 
most difficult. 

The 12 X 11 tent, with its six-foot walls, was 
raised, and from each corner-pole was carried a 
stout rope to prevent the horses from crowding 
against the canvas. A partition was formed in 
the same manner from the two main uprights, 
and at one end the baggage wagon was placed in 
position, being lashed securely to the poles, thus 
forming a manger. 

The horses, accustomed to this frail sort of a 
stable, entered readily, and when they had been 
fed with a liberal amount of grain and a scanty 
supply of hay, the boys continued the work by 
erecting the tent for Aunt Lois and the girls — a 
10 X 12 canvas structure situated at such a dis- 
tance from the stable that a fifteen-foot square 
of canvas could be hoisted between the two 
camps, thus forming a shelter for the provisions, 


MISCHIEF. 


37 


grain, harness, and such other articles as were 
not needed in the sleeping tents. 

While the boys put up their own shelter, de- 
signed for sleeping quarters for themselves and 
the cook-room as well, Alice and Gladys, assist- 
ed feebly by Aunt Lois, gathered spruce boughs 
to fill the beds, and before the darkness had 
fully come the travellers were as snugly housed 
as could have been desired. 

Phil acted as cook, having had much experi- 
ence in such duties while camping with his 
father, and had erected the third tent in such 
position that it faced the space between the 
stable and the girls’ quarters, with the square of 
canvas attached to one of its poles. Thus the 
three tents opened into what was really a com- 
mon store-room. 

Two oil-stoves served as a range, and over 
them the cook’s work could be more easily per- 
formed than had he depended upon a camp fire, 
while at night they could be used to warm the 
tents, and all danger of a conflagration be thus 
decidedly lessened. 

While Phil prepared supper, Dick cut the 


38 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


tops of spruce boughs for a bed for the ani- 
mals ; and when the very appetizing meal had 
been served, every member of the party was 
willing to retire, regardless of the fact that it 
was hardly more than six o’clock. 

This first day’s journey, rounded off with the 
task of erecting the tents, had tired the travel- 
lers severely ; and Aunt Lois, who had been 
called upon to perform the least amount of 
labor, complained the most bitterly of fatigue. 

It was not so cold as to necessitate the heating 
of the tents, and when the last “good-night” 
had been said and all were wrapped snugly in 
their heavy blankets, Dick muttered sleepily : 

“ This camping out is great fun, but there’s 
a deal of hard work goes with it.” 

“Yes, while we are moving every day ; but 
once we have delivered our message, we shall 
take things more leisurely,” Phil replied ; and 
almost before he had ceased speaking the heavy 
breathing of his companion told that Dick was in 
the land of dreams. 

Then Phil in turn yielded to the desire for 
slumber, and during several hours nothing save 


MISCHIEF. 


39 


the sound of the horses munching their hay and 
the soughing of the wind among the needles of 
the hemlock could be heard. 

The snorting and stamping of the animals sud- 
denly aroused Phil, and in an instant he was on 
his feet, turning up the wick of the lantern sus- 
pended from the ridge-pole. 

“Get up, Dick!” he said sharply, em- 
phasizing the words by kicking his cousin 
gently. 

“ Wha — wha — what’s the matter ?” 

“ Get up. There’s something wrong with 
the horses. It may be that one of them is cast ; 
such accidents frequently happen the first night 
in camp, before they are thoroughly accustomed 
to the tent.’ ’ 

“ What do you mean by ‘ cast’ ?” and Dick 
rose slowly, gaining his feet just as Phil had de- 
tached the lantern from its rope. 

“ That they have lain down in such a position 
it is impossible for them to get up unaided, or 
gotten the tent-ropes tangled around their legs. 
Come on, 1 may need some help,” and Phil 
hurried from the tent. 


40 


OiV SCHEDULE TIME. 


Arriving at the stable, he found to his surprise 
that the flaps were untied. 

“ 1 must have been mighty careless when 1 
turned in. 1 don’t wonder the horses make a 
noise,” he said, and as he spoke there was a 
rustling in the underbrush near at hand which 
caused him to turn quickly, holding the lantern 
above his head. 

Nothing could be seen, however, and he fan- 
cied the noise was caused by the wind. 

Dick joined him as he entered the tent, only 
to find the horses comparatively quiet. Both 
were on their feet, and nothing could be seen 
to betoken the cause of the disturbance. 

“ There don’t appear to be any trouble here,” 
Dick said, as if he considered himself injured 
because of having been aroused at such an un- 
seemly hour. 

“ No ; everything is all right. Some animal 
must have startled them. However, it is better 
to turn out on a false alarm than to remain quiet 
when there is serious trouble. Now we’ll go to 
bed again.” 

It seemed to Dick as if he had but just fallen 


MISCHIEF. 


41 


asleep for the second time when he was aroused 
by his cousin once more and told that, so far 
as he was concerned, the night had come to an 
end. 

“But it isn’t daylight yet,” he said, in sur- 
prise. 

“It’s nearly five o’clock, and we should be 
on the road by seven. Two hours is none too 
long to get breakfast, strike the tents, and pack 
everything in the wagon. We don’t want to 
lose the sixty minutes gained yesterday, and the 
thirteen miles to be made between now and 
night will cost a good deal more labor than did 
the first day’s journey.” 

Thirty minutes later, when breakfast was well 
under way, Aunt Lois and the girls were called, 
and during the next hour and a half all was bus- 
tle and apparent confusion at the encampment. 

Then there remained nothing more to be done 
save to harness the horses, and Dick had but just 
begun to perform this labor, when he asked 
sharply : 

“ What did you do with the traces to Jack’s 
harness, Phil ?” 


42 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


u I haven’t had them.” 

“ You must be mistaken. They are not here. ” 
u 1 haven’t seen them since we drove into the 
camp last night. You unharnessed the horses 
while 1 was getting supper, and must have left 
them outside, under some of the bushes. ” 

“ I wasn’t such an idiot as to have unbuckled 
the traces from the harnes.” 

Phil went toward his companion, looking de- 
cidedly alarmed. He knew as a matter of course 
that the traces would not have been removed 
when Jack was cared for on the previous even- 
ing, and like a flash there came into his mind 
two incidents. The first, his partial exposure of 
their secret in the hotel at Milo ; and, second, 
the disturbance among the horses during the 
night, when he had found nothing to explain 
the cause of their sudden restlessness. 

Dick was holding the hames high in the air, 
that his cousin might see the traces were not at- 
tached, when Phil cried in dismay : 

“ That which father feared is already being 
done.” 

“ What do you mean ?” Aunt Lois asked 


MISCHIEF. 


43 


quickly, while Gladys and Alice looked toward 
him inquiringly. 

Then Phil told of his visit to the stable-tent, 
and concluded by saying : 

“ I thought at the time that a woodchuck or 
hedgehog might have gone through the tent and 
frightened the animals ; but now we know a 
human being was there, and he stole the 
traces. 5 ’ 

“ I am certain you must be mistaken, Philip,” 
Aunt Lois said very decidedly, “ because if any 
evil- disposed person had come here to steal they 
would have taken the whole harness, and not a 
portion of it.” 

“ The theft was not committed for the sake 
of the traces, but simply to delay us on the road.” 

“ I do not understand you, Philip,” and Aunt 
Lois looked perplexed. “ Haven’t you got an- 
other pair ?’ 5 

“ It isn’t customary to take two sets of traces 
when a fellow goes out driving.” 

“ But can’t you get another pair ?” 

“ Yes, by going back to Milo, which would 
cost us half a day’s time.” 


44 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


Gladys and Alice now looked alarmed. Al- 
though Mr. Ainsworth had suggested that un- 
scrupulous men might attempt to prevent them 
from making the journey in the desired time, 
they had not fancied it possible they would be 
interfered with in any way, and this theft of 
the traces had in it a certain menace regarding 
future safety which was by no means pleas- 
ant. 

“We cannot afford to drive back, that is cer- 
tain,” Dick said after a short pause, during 
which each member of the party gazed at the 
other in dismay. “ I am not a very successful 
horseman, but it seems to me as if we might 
use the traces from Bessie’s harness for the 
heavy wagon.” 

“ But we must take the surrey along as well, 
unless it is proposed to leave Aunt Lois and the 
girls on the second morning out.” 

“Why can’t we get from among the tent 
equipage enough rope to serve as traces for Bes- 
sie ? You four people are not so heavy but that 
such an arrangement would answer every pur- 
pose.” 


MISCHIEF. 


45 


“That- is a capital idea!” Phil exclaimed, 
with evident relief. “ I am afraid you will 
have to take the lead of the party, if I am 
going to be so stupid as not to think of such a 
plan.” 

t£ It would have entered your head before 
many minutes, so there’s no reason to find fault 
with yourself. I’ll overhaul the outfit, while 
you finish harnessing.” 

Twenty minutes later the little party were on 
their way without having suffered as much delay 
from the theft as the visitors of the previous 
night probably fancied would be the case. 

Before they had ridden two miles it was evi- 
dent to Dick that Phil had not made any mis- 
take when he said the thirteen miles they pro- 
posed to travel on that day would be more 
difficult than the preceding journey. 

The way was rough and the road hardly more 
than a track, leading here over marshy ground, 
where the hoofs of the horses sank several inches 
into the mud, and there over rocky hills, where 
it was difficult for the animals to retain a foot- 
hold. 


46 


OH SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ We are not travelling very fast to-day, and 
that’s a fact,” he said, half to himself. 

“ If we make three miles an hour we shall 
have time to spare, thanks to what we gained 
yesterday,” Phil shouted from the surrey, for 
Dick’s muttering had been sufficiently loud to be 
heard by his companions ; and then a shrill cry 
of surprise and dismay burst from Aunt Lois’ 
lips. 

At that point the road wound through a thick 
growth of timber, and directly in front of them, 
completely barring the passage, was a fallen 
tree. 

Phil leaped from the surrey, and running 
ahead a few paces, stopped suddenly as he 
shouted : 

“ The men who visited the camp last night 
have been here ahead of us. This tree has been 
cut down since sunrise, for the chips are per- 
fectly fresh.” 

“ Shall we be forced to turn back, Philip ?” 
Aunt Lois cried in shrill, quavering tones. 

“No, for we will stay here until we clear 
away this log.” 


MISCHIEF. 47 

“ But that will cost you at least a day’s time.” 

“ It can’t be helped, Aunt Lois. We are 
bound to go ahead, even though we are twenty- 
four hours late. Perhaps that time can be made 
up somewhere between here and Township 
Eight.” 


CHAPTER III. 


A CRIPPLE. 

Many times during the previous day had 
Aunt Lois predicted that “something would 
happen,” and now, when something had hap- 
pened, it was as if the disaster overwhelmed her 
with astonishment. 

She remained with her eyes fixed upon the 
huge tree which completely blocked the road- 
way, her hands clasped as if in entreaty and 
her lips moving, but yet no sound escaped them. 

“ Don’t look so frightened, Aunt Lois,” 
Gladys said, alarmed by the expression on the 
little woman’s face. “If the boys can’t clear 
the tree away we will go back. It isn’t such 
a terribly serious matter that you need be dis- 
tressed.” 

“You don’t realize how disastrous it may be 
for your father, my child, if we fail in our mis- 
sion.” 


A CRIPPLE . 


49 


“ If we do the best we can, Annt Lois,” 
Alice said gently, “ and then fail, we have no 
reason to reproach ourselves.” 

u And we shall do the best we can,” Phil 
cried cheerily, as he and Dick overhauled the 
load on the baggage wagon in search of the axe. 
“ Even if this job requires the entire day, it 
isn’t certain our mission has failed.” 

“ How many axes have you here?” Aunt 
Lois asked. 

“ Only one.” 

u And even if there were two, inexperienced 
as you boys are in such work, the task would be 
both long and difficult.” 

“ You are right, Aunt Lois ; but giving up 
entirely and insisting that the thing can’t be 
done won’t mend matters, while one axe, even 
in the hands of amateurs like Dick and I, will 
effect something if it is worked with a will. 
Suppose you girls get out the blankets and 
cover the horses.” 

Gladys leaped from the surrey in obedi- 
ence to this suggestion, asking as she did 
so : 


50 


ON SORED OLE TIME . 


44 Isn’t there anything else we can do toward 
helping ?” 

44 There will be later, perhaps ; but just now 
you can attend to Aunt Lois, and try to make 
her appear more humanlike.” 

Then Phil began the task before him, realiz- 
ing fully of what magnitude it was, but deter- 
mined his companions should not know how 
seriously he regarded it. 

4 4 We’ll hew through the trunk here,” he 
said to Dick, striking the tree near the butt, 
4 4 and then perhaps all of us may be able to 
pull it around. If not, we must then tackle 
the other end, and that won’t be so difficult a 
job.” 

He began the work as he ceased speaking, 
striking vigorous blows which sent the chips fly- 
ing in every direction, while Dick perforce 
stood by, waiting until it should be his turn to 
play the part of chopper. 

Not long after the task was begun Aunt Lois 
44 found her tongue,” as Dick whispered to 
Phil, and during nearly all the time the boys 
worked they w^ere forced to listen to her fore- 



Working at the Fallen Tree. Page 50 




























A CRIPPLE. 


51 


bodings of evil, until Gladys finally said with a 
quiet smile : 

“ If you really believe it is impossible for us 
to find Mr. Benner in time, and that the dan- 
gers to be encountered will be so very terrible, 
why not turn back now ? The boys can go on 
without us, although I should be sorry if they 
did so.” 

“ I shall remain with them, Gladys, because I 
have said I would ; but something tells me we 
will have a truly awful journey, however short 
it may promise to be.” 

“ Well, ‘ something tells me ’ that we’ll finish 
this job considerably sooner than I expected,” 
Phil cried cheerily, yielding the axe to Dick, 
who in turn attacked the barrier energetically. 

“ It is labor in vain, my dear boy,” Aunt 
Lois said, with a long-drawn sigh. “ Those ter- 
rible men are in advance of us, and this is 
not the only obstruction we shall find on the 
way.” 

“ Unfortunately you are right, my dear aunt, 
and that is troubling me not a little. However, 
all we can do is to fight our way through as long 


52 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


as possible, and never say ‘ die ’ until we are 
obliged to admit ourselves beaten.” 

After two hours of most fatiguing work the 
fallen tree was so far cleared from the roadway 
that it was possible for the teams to pass, and 
Phil led the way once more, saying, as he 
wiped the big drops of perspiration from his 
f-ace : 

“ We’re no longer ahead of schedule time, 
but I fancy we are not much behind.” 

“ Do you expect to reach the second camp- 
ing-place father spoke of, before sunset V 9 
Gladys asked. 

“ If not, we must keep on until we get there. 
The horses can stand the work, and it won’t be 
very dark this evening.” 

“ But surely, Philip, you are not thinking of 
riding in the night ?” and once more Aunt Lois 
looked alarmed. 

“If we must, there is no use in discussing 
the matter. I shall keep to the route and time 
laid down by father as long as possible. ” 

u But 1 will never consent to anything of the 
kind ! This road is dangerous enough in the 


A CRIPPLE. 


53 


(laytime, without our tempting Providence by 
continuing on it when we can no longer see the 
pitfalls !” 

44 What is the matter ?” Dick cried from his 
perch on the baggage-wagon. 44 Has Aunt Lois 
broken loose again ?” 

4 4 Not exactly ; but she threatens to unless 
everything goes smoothly,’ ’ Phil replied with a 
merry laugh, and the girls joined in it so heart- 
ily that the timid little woman’s face flushed 
crimson with vexation. 

44 It is all very well for you young folks to 
laugh and be merry, now that our troubles are 
over for the time being ; but it will be different 
when we meet with a truly terrible disaster. 
Something tells me — ” 

44 Keep it a secret, Aunt Lois !” Alice cried, 
in mock dismay. 44 We must not lose courage ; 
and if you reveal all that 4 something ’ tells you, 
we shall be overwhelmed with horror.” 

During the next hour Phil expected each in- 
stant to see evidences of the mischief-makers at 
every turn in the road ; but as the time wore 
on, and nothing occurred to cause another halt, 


54 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


lie grew less disturbed in mind, and began to 
fancy the day’s task might be concluded without 
further interruption. 

Then Dick called out to him to give the reins 
to one of the girls and join him on the baggage- 
wagon for a while. 

Gladys could safely be trusted with Bessie, 
and cautioning her to keep a sharp lookout on 
the road because of the holes and quagmires 
which threatened destruction to the vehicles, he 
did as his cousin suggested. 

When Dick had reined Jack in until there was 
such a distance between the wagons that their 
conversation could not be overheard, he said in a 
cautious whisper : 

“ Do you know, Phil, we haven’t seen the 
last of those fellows.” 

4 4 You mean the ones who felled the tree ?” 

44 Certainly. Who else should I mean ?” 

44 And you think they will do more mis- 
chief ?” 

4 4 Of course I do ! If, in order to delay us, they 
have followed from Milo to first steal our traces 
and then block the road, do you think they will 


A CRIPPLE. 


55 


be content to see us pushing ahead with com- 
paratively little delay ?” 

“ I had begun to fancy that perhaps the mis- 
chief was not done by those who wished to pre- 
vent us from seeing Benner. ’ ’ 

“ No one else would have taken so much 
trouble to steal a pair of traces, when there were 
articles of more value ready at hand.” 

“ You are right, of course. ” 

“ And we shall hear from them again.” 

Phil nodded sorrowfully. 

“ Then it is necessary we should decide upon 
some course of action.” 

“ I don’t understand what we can do,” Phil 
replied thoughtfully. “ It isn’t likely we shall 
see them, and will only know of their having 
been in advance when some fresh mischief ap- 
pears. ” 

“ Surely you don’t count on pushing meekly 
along, taking without a murmur whatever they 
may choose to inflict upon us ?” 

‘ ‘ Look here, Dick, if you have any plan 
which will aid in preventing mischief, tell it 
straight out !” 


56 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


iC But 1 haven’t,” Dick replied dejectedly. 
“ I asked you to ride with me, in the hope that 
we might hit upon something.” 

“ Then you’ll be disappointed. While the 
man or men keep in advance, I don’t see how 
we can do anything save take what comes with 
the best possible grace. 1 am going through to 
Benner within the six days, though, even if 1 
am forced to walk.” 

“ And I shall stay by your side ; but it seems 
as if we might contrive some scheme to outwit 
the fellows.” 

“ It is certain /can’t ; but if you succeed in 
conjuring up anything which promises the slight- 
est show of success let me know, and I’ll play 
my part. It isn’t well for us to ride together 
any longer. I can tell by the way Aunt Lois 
twists her head she fancies we are talking secrets, 
and if she once mistrusts that we really expect 
to find more obstacles, she’ll insist on our turning 
back at once.” 

“ Would you do that if she urged it ?” 

“ Not if she should demand it ! The agree- 
ment with father was that she and the girls were 


A CRIPPLE. 


57 


to be left behind in case we found it was not 
possible to go on as fast with them, and Aunt 
Lois’ would soon find herself in possession of the 
outfit, if she became obstinate.” 

Then, slipping down from the heavily loaded 
wagon, Phil ran ahead to the surrey, and was 
soon talking as gayly with Alice and Gladys as 
if he had no fear regarding the future ; but his 
brief conversation with Dick rendered him more 
apprehensive of evil than he had been even 
when the first knowledge of a concerted inter- 
ference with his movements was forced upon 
him. 

During the remainder of the forenoon nothing 
was seen to cause alarm or excite suspicion. 

The roadway was rough, and since the tree 
was removed from the path the horses had made 
only about two miles an hour ; but it had been 
at the expense of considerable exertion, and they 
gave more evidence of weariness than at the end 
of the first day’s journey. 

It was noon when they halted for dinner, and 
both Phil and Dick gave the weary animals a 
thorough rubbing before joining the girls in the 


58 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


cold luncli which had been spread out on a moss- 
covered log. 

“ How far are we from our starting-point ?” 
Alice asked suddenly, when, from an ominous 
shake of Aunt Lois’ head, it seemed probable she 
was about to predict more evil. 

“ About eight miles, I should say. We start- 
ed at seven, were delayed two hours, and have 
not travelled much more than two and a half 
miles an hour.” 

“ Then we have only five to make before 
arriving at the camping-place selected for us by 
Uncle Ainsworth.” 

“ That is all ; but I fancy it is quite as much 
as we shall want to do.” 

“ More, if I am not mistaken. 1 am afraid 
those horses will not be able to drag us many 
miles farther,” Aunt Lois said despairingly. 

“Then we will walk,” Dick cried cheer- 

fy- 

“ If there’s nothing worse than being forced 
to walk, 1 shall be comparatively happy,” Aunt 
Lois replied, and would have said more but that 
Gladys interrupted by insisting that Phil tell of 


A CRIPPLE , ; 


59 


a visit he made in this same region with his 
father a year previous. 

When this rather long story came to an end 
an hour and a half had been spent, and it was 
high time the journey should be resumed. 

Once more the line of march was taken up, 
but the horses no longer pushed on eagerly ; it 
was necessary to urge them with the whip from 
time to time, and both Dick and Phil under- 
stood that they were decidedly weary, not be- 
cause of the distance travelled, but owing to the 
roughness of the road, which made of what had 
been an ordinary load an exceedingly heavy one. 

“ I reckon Dick and I had better walk for a 
while, ” Phil said, when they had ridden for an 
hour in comparative silence. “It won’t do us 
any harm, and will make it so much easier for 
the horses.” 

He had but just alighted from the surrey, and 
Dick was following his example, when all were 
startled and Aunt Lois frightened into a shrill, 
hysterical cry by what sounded very like the 
groan of a human being from amid the shrub- 
bery a short distance in advance. 


60 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


Phil started forward quickly, and Aunt Lois 
cried imploringly : 

“ Come back, Philip, please come back, like a 
good boy ! I am certain there is something very 
terrible in those bushes !” 

Another groan, and Phil, who had half turned 
in response to the little woman’s appeal, went 
forward resolutely. 

Gladys urged Bessie on with such purpose 
that the occupants of the surrey could see all 
which occurred after Phil forced his way through 
the foliage to the spot from which the agonized 
moan had come. 

There, with his back against a sapling, as if he 
had dragged himself to that place in order to 
find some degree of comfort amid his suffering, 
was a half-reclining man, holding out his hands 
in supplication to the boy. 

“ I thought I should die here alone !” he said 
faintly. “ It did not seem possible any one 
would come this way ; but now that you are 
here, you’ll not leave me ?” 

“ What is the matter ?” Phil asked solicit- 
ously, and Dick ran up eager to be of some 



Phil Forced his Way through the Foliage. Page 60. 








































. 










A CRIPPLE. 


61 


assistance, while Aunt Lois and the girls de- 
scended from the vehicle to proffer their aid. 

“ I’m afraid I’ve broken my leg. I was 
making my way through the woods on a short 
cut when 1 tumbled into a hole and so hurt my- 
self that it is impossible to move without the 
most terrible pain.” 

“ Poor man !” Aunt Lois exclaimed. “ I 
don’t wonder you feared you would be left here 
to die in this terrible place. Tell me where you 
are hurt ?” and the little woman knelt down be- 
side the alleged sufferer. 

“ Here,” and the man placed his hand ten- 
derly on his knee. 

Aunt Lois would have attempted to ascertain 
exactly the extent of the injury, but that he 
made a loud outcry whenever she placed her 
hands, however gently, on the disabled mem- 
ber. 

“I’m not generally called a coward, ma’am, 
but I can’t stand the lightest touch — indeed I 
can’t.” 

“ I don’t doubt it, you poor creature ! What 
a blessing that I brought plenty of liniment with 


62 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


me ! Boys, you must overhaul the baggage 
and get the medicine-chest at once.” 

“ I’m afraid I’m too far gone for liniments 
to do me any good,” the sufferer moaned. “ If 
I could be taken to Milo I might see a doctor, 
and then the bones could be patched up. ’ ’ 

“ Of course we will take you there ; but first 
we must relieve the pain. Boys, why don’t you 
do as I wish ?” 

u Dick will help you, aunt, if you’ll show him 
in what part of the wagon it was put,” Phil 
replied, with a meaning look at his cousin ; and 
as the latter obeyed, he asked of the stranger : 
“ Which way were you going when you met 
with the accident ?” 

“ To Township Eight, where Ainsworth is 
working.” 

“ Are you one of Benner’s men ?” 

“ Sure.” 

“ How does it happen that you did not go in 
with the others ?” 

“ I stayed behind to look after the second 
gang.” 

“ Where are they ?” 


A CRIPPLE. 


63 


“ Somewhere on the road — perhaps they 
passed me while I lay back there in the timber, 
so hurt I didn’t know what was going on.” 

Phil was puzzled. He knew that men not in- 
frequently went into the camps alone and on 
foot ; but that one who had been entrusted with 
the work of bringing in a gang should be ahead 
or behind them so far as not to know exactly 
where they were, seemed very strange. 

The man evidently observed the look of per- 
plexity on the boy’s face, for he said quickly : 

“ I’m not the boss of the gang. He lives 
down Ellsworth way, and had to go home be- 
cause his wife was sick, so I took his place for a 
couple of days, that’s all.” 

u What is your name ?” 

“ Bart Jackson.” 

“ Are you any relative of the Jackson who 
cooked for father last year ?” 

“ Is Ainsworth your father ? Then I’m all 
right, for you won’t see me left here to die. 
Yes, I’m the cook’s cousin, an’ it was owing to 
what he said that I hired with your father ; he 
allowed the old man was a good one to work for. ” 


64 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


By this time Aunt Lois had succeeded in find- 
ing what she wanted, and now came up laden 
with bottles. 

“ Now, Philip, you and Dick must bathe the 
poor creature’s knee with this liniment, while I 
give him something to prevent fever from set- 
ting in. A person with a broken limb is always 
more or less feverish. Don’t say a word,” she 
added, as the man attempted to interrupt her. 
“ I know the bathing will cause some pain, but 
it must be done before you can endure the long 
journey to Milo.” 

“ And you will take me there ?” the sufferer 
asked eagerly. 

“ Of course we will, my man. Did you think 
we were such heathen as to leave you here to 
die ? Dick, strip up his trousers, and be sure to 
put on plenty of liniment.” 

The alleged suffering man insisted that he 
could bear the pain until they arrived at Milo, 
and that it would be much better if the injured 
limb was not interfered with until a physician 
should see it ; but Aunt Lois made light of his 
entreaties to be left alone. 


A CRIPPLE. 


65 


“ I know what should be done, and there is 
to be no discussion,” she said very positively. 
“ If the bones were not broken I could treat the 
case without the aid of any doctor, though I do 
say it myself.” 

Bart Jackson made no further protest, save to 
groan piteously when Dick began pulling the 
trousers up over the injured knee ; and Phil, 
instead of offering to assist, beckoned for Gladys 
to follow him back to the baggage wagon, where 
he said in a whisper ; 

“ I know it seems inhuman for me to say 1 
won’t go to Milo with this Jackson — ” 

“ Surely, Phil, you wouldn’t have the heart 
to leave him here, where he might die !” Gladys 
exclaimed in surprise. 

4 4 I shall go to Benner as rapidly as possible ; 
my first duty is to do father’s work. Couldn’t 
you drive Jack, and let Alice take care of Bes- 
sie ?” 

u Do you mean that we must go back alone ?” 
and now Gladys began to grow alarmed. 

“ That is what must be done if we do what 
seems to be our duty by Jackson.” 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. , 


06 


“ Aunt Lois would never consent to anything 
of the kind.” 

u Then it will be she, not I, who refuses 
to aid the man, for I’m bound to go ahead. 
Talk with her as soon as you can get her 
aside.” 

“ I know it will be of no use. Besides, it 
would be dark before we could reach there, and 
the horses are already tired.” 

“ Dick and I will wait here with you until 
morning, and trust to making up the lost time 
during the next four days.” 

“ Then why not put up the tents now, without 
saying anything to her ?” 

“ That is what I will do. Call Alice, and she 
and you shall help me, while Aunt Lois and Dick 
work over the poor fellow.” 

The little woman was so intent on playing 
the part of surgeon that the stable and the 
women’s tent were up before she knew what was 
being done, and then she came back to the scene 
of Phil’s labors in great excitement. 

“ What are you doing, Philip ? You must 
not think of stopping here to-night, for it is of 


A CRIPPLE ; 


67 


the greatest importance that that poor creature 
be taken back to civilization.” 

Quietly but decidedly Phil explained his pur- 
pose, and for several seconds Aunt Lois was too 
much surprised to be able to object. Then she 
made most vehement protest. 

<c It must be that way, or he be left here,” 
Phil said firmly. “ I am willing to spend the 
time from now until early morning for his bene- 
fit, but after that my father’s business is of the 
greatest importance to me. There will be no 
danger in riding back alone, and you and the 
girls can remain at the hotel until we return.” 

Aunt Lois attempted to exercise her supposed 
authority, but Phil deprived her of the oppor- 
tunity by continuing his work of erecting the 
tents so energetically that she was forced to hold 
her peace, or scream her objections to the pro- 
posed plan so loudly that the sufferer could have 
overheard the entire conversation. 

Then the little woman went back to her pa- 
tient, and a few moments later Dick joined his 
cousin, looking seriously disturbed. 

“ Yes, I know it is too bad to stay here even 


68 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


over night,” Phil said quickly, thinking Dick 
was about to comment upon his actions, “ but 
we can’t leave a man with a broken leg in the 
woods ; and I propose that Aunt Lois and the 
girls shall take him to Milo, while we continue 
the journey on foot. That’s the only way out 
of it I can see.” 

“ Phil,” Dick said in a whisper, lest Alice and 
Gladys should overhear the words, “ I don’t be- 
lieve that man is suffering any more than I am !” 

“ What do you mean ?” 

“ When I finally succeeded in uncovering his 
knee, despite his screams and groans, I could see 
nothing to indicate that he had been hurt. If 
the bones were broken, or if he had wrenched 
or sprained it, there would be some signs on the 
outside. The flesh looks as sound as it ever was, 
barring considerable dirt ; and I believe he is 
shamming. ” 

“ Why should he — ” 

Phil did not complete the sentence. In an in- 
stant he understood what was in his cousin’s mind ; 
and with the thought that this was but a ruse to 
delay the messengers, came anxiety and perplexity. 


CHAPTER IV. 


ON GUARD. 

Both Gladys and Alice understood from the 
changed expression on Phil’s face that some- 
thing had suddenly occurred to disturb him, and 
the former asked solicitously concerning the sup- 
posed trouble. 

“ Why should you think there was anything 
new ?” and Phil tried to speak in a jovial tone. 
“ Isn’t it enough that we are obliged to remain 
here overnight instead of pushing on to the Joe 
Mary Lakes ?” 

“ How, Phil, that isn’t fair,” Gladys said 
reproachfully. “ I know something has sud- 
denly come up, and you and Dick propose to 
keep it from us girls, which is not right. We 
are ready to do all we can toward helping you 
perform the mission, and promise not to so much 
as grumble when you decide it is time we should 
be left by the roadside. Therefore it seems to 


70 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


me only right we should be taken into full part- 
nership.” 

“ So you shall be, Gladys dear,” and Phil re- 
peated that which Dick had just told him. 

£< Then this man, whom Aunt Lois is nursing 
so tenderly, must be the one who stole the traces 
and felled the tree across the road ?” 

“ I think it is more than probable he has 
companions, and after they found that obstruct- 
ing the tree did not delay us seriously, this fel- 
low has been left behind to play his game of 
cripple.” 

“ Then there is nothing to be done but expose 
him instantly,’ ’ Alice said indignantly. 

“ That would be the case if we were ab- 
solutely certain he is shamming. I myself 
should believe it without a question, after what 
Dick has told me, if it were not that Aunt Lois 
seems convinced he is suffering. She ought to 
know whether the man has received any severe 
injury or not.” 

“ She is so eager to play the part of physician, 
that I don’t fancy she’s a proper judge. Why 
not accuse the man at once ?” and Gladys looked 


ON GUARD . 


71 


very resolute now. “ Surely we shall be able to 
decide from his words and actions whether he is 
really the victim of an accident, or a scoundrel.” 

“If it is as Dick believes, I am not certain 
whether it’ll be policy for us to let him know we 
have discovered his game,” Phil replied thought- 
fully. 

“ Why not ?” and Dick looked surprised. 

u Because it’s probable he has companions in 
his mischief, and when they understand we 
know what is being done, matters may be even 
more serious than they are now. Except for a 
fowling-piece, we are unarmed ; and even though 
we had a whole arsenal with us, I question 
whether we should be warranted in forcing our 
way at the expense of bloodshed.” 

Dick now began to understand the difficulties 
which beset them, but Gladys said impatiently : 

“ Surely you don’t intend to stay here nursing 
a well man ?” 

“ Of course not.” 

“ And you cannot for a moment think of 
sending us back to Milo with him, if what you 
suspect is true ?” 


72 


ON SCHEDULE TIME . 


“ Certainly not.” 

<c Then what is to be done ?” 

“1 don’t know,” Phil repeated mournfully. 
“ At all events, the tents are up, and it seems 
to me the wisest plan to stay here to-night, even 
though we are behind schedule time at least five 
miles.” 

“ But suppose this fellow’s comrades should 
attempt to work some serious mischief to- 
night ?” 

“ If they are ripe for that, they would be 
even more certain to do so when they learned 
we had discovered their plans. While we re- 
main here, allowing the man to think he is to be 
taken back to Milo, it isn’t likely anything will 
be attempted against us.” 

u And in the mean time ? After we have 
stayed until morning, what then ?” 

“ That is what must be decided between us. 
The tents are up now, and we may as well re- 
main where we are, because by the time the bag- 
gage wagon could be packed again it would be 
nearly dark. This long halt will give the horses 
a rest, and we must put forth every effort to 


ON GUAHD. 


73 


make up for lost time when once we are on the 
road again. Go back to Aunt Lois and her 
patient, Dick. The girls and 1 will finish the 
preparations for the night, and get supper. 
Keep jour eyes and ears open, for it may prove 
that we have wronged the fellow by our suspi- 
cions. Above all, it seems to me important we 
should prevent him from fancying his true char- 
acter, if he be what we think, is discovered.’ 5 

u I’ll go,” Dick said with no very good grace, 
“ but it will take a deal more groaning and 
squirming than he has done to make me believe 
him very seriously injured.” 

Assisted by the girls, Phil continued his work 
of making ready for the night, and but little 
conversation was indulged in. He was trying 
to decide what course should be pursued, while 
Gladys and Alice were so seriously disturbed in 
mind that silence on their part seemed a neces- 
sity. 

Aunt Lois was the only member of the party 
who appeared thoroughly satisfied with herself 
and her surroundings. For the first time she 
had a patient whom she could experiment upon 


74 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


without fear of interference from a physician, 
and, judging from the preparations she made, it 
was her intention to test the entire contents of 
the medicine-chest upon the alleged sufferer. 

When the last of the baggage had been 
stowed in the tents, and Phil was ready to begin 
the culinary operations, Gladys said thought- 
fully : 

“ If by any chance this man is really injured, 
he ought to be brought into the tent.” 

“That’s a fact,” Phil replied, as if the idea 
had but just occurred to him ; “and whether 
he is or not, we must for the time being treat 
him as if we believed the story implicitly. I’ll 
go and get him.” 

Dick was standing a short distance from the 
alleged sufferer, and Aunt Lois was endeavoring 
to persuade the stranger that his life depended 
upon his taking a third dose of her supposed 
febrifuge, when Phil made his way through the 
bushes. 

Now that his suspicions Were almost certain- 
ties, the boy wondered that he could have been 
so dull as to have credited the man’s story at 


ON GUARD. 


75 


the first. There were no indications of extreme 
suffering, and, save for the fact that he re- 
mained in a reclining position groaning from 
time to time, he had every appearance of per- 
fect health. 

“ The tents are up, and Jackson should be 
taken under cover,’ ’ he said, in a business-like 
tone. 

“ Then you have decided to stay here to- 
night, have you ?” the man asked. 

“ Yes ; it’s now so late that we have no choice 
in the matter. Can you walk, if Dick and I lend 
a hand ?’ ’ 

“ Oh, but he must not bear any weight on 
the injured limb !” Aunt Lois cried. “ That 
isn’t to be thought of for an instant. You boys 
will be forced to carry him, or else bring the tent 
here.” 

“ One would be quite as difficult as the other, 
Aunt Lois. If he is hurt very seriously, I fancy 
we should do him more harm than good trying 
to carry him, for it isn’t such an easy matter, 
without a litter of any kind, to move a man.” 

“ I can manage to hobble along if you boys 


76 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


will help a bit,” Jackson said, rising to a sit- 
ting posture with many a groan and grimace of 
pain. 

Phil and Dick stepped forward, but without 
making any suggestion as to how the task should 
be accomplished, and by pulling first on one side 
and then the other, Jackson rose. 

If Phil had not been suspicious before, he 
would now have fancied the alleged sufferer’s 
story untrue, for the man aided himself more 
deftly than would have been possible if his 
leg was injured as seriously as he professed, and 
during the short walk to the tent he got over 
the ground more easily than a cripple could pos- 
sibly have done, although his groans were pro- 
longed and many. 

The boys passively allowed him to use them 
as crutches, and once inside the tent made no 
further pretence of assisting him. 

Jackson very quickly and readily assumed a 
comfortable position upon a pile of blankets, 
and there was an expression of evident satisfac- 
tion on his face, despite the efforts to simulate 
suffering, as he looked around. 


ON GUARD. 


77 


He knows he has delayed us nearly half a 
day ; and even though his scheme doesn’t work 
any longer, this portion of the plan has been a 
success,” Phil thought. 

When supper was ready the cook would have 
served it in the women’s tent but that Aunt 
Lois insisted they eat where her patient could 
join them, and, much against his inclination, 
Phil was forced to see the alleged invalid waited 
upon tenderly by the kindly hearted little 
woman, whose only faults were her inordinate 
love of administering medicines and a proneness 
to predict evil for the future. 

Jackson ate like a hungry man, not a sick 
one, and during the progress of the meal Phil 
decided upon discussing the plan he had formed 
when he believed the fellow really crippled, in 
the latter’s presence, that he might observe 
the effect of the proposition. He began by say- 
ing : 

“ Of course, Aunt Lois, you understand that 
Dick and I cannot go to Milo to-morrow.” 

“ But poor Mr. Jackson must be carried there 
without any unnecessary delay, Philip.” 


78 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


u I understand that, and believe I know 
how it can be done without interfering with the 
work which Dick and I have to perform,” Phil 
said calmly, while Gladys and Alice looked at 
him in mingled surprise and alarm. “You and 
the girls shall take both teams. Gladys is to 
drive Jack, and Alice will have no trouble in 
managing Bessie. Jackson can ride in the sur- 
rey, and Dick and I push ahead on foot.” 

The supposed invalid looked far from pleased 
at this arrangement, while Aunt Lois appeared 
as nearly angry as she ever allowed herself to 
become. 

“ Philip Ainsworth, do you fancy for a sin- 
gle moment that the girls and I will drive those 
horses ?” 

“ I do, Aunt Lois, because that is the only 
way by which you can get your patient there.” 

“ I do not think it would be safe,” Jackson 
said decidedly, forgetting for the moment to 
groan. 

“ Neither do I,’ ’ Aunt Lois cried. “ In fact, 
I am certain it would be almost criminal reck- 
lessness. Besides, how do you boys expect to 


ON GUARD. 


79 


get from here to Township something or other, 
Range 1 have forgotten what, on foot ? Why, 
it isn’t to be thought of, Philip.” 

u You are right, Aunt Lois, because there is 
no further necessity of thinking about it. Dick 
and 1 have decided what shall be done, and there 
will be no change in our plans unless you are so 
opposed that you prefer leaving Jackson here 
rather than carry him back. ’ ’ 

The little woman appeared surprised almost to 
the verge of bewilderment by the decisive tone 
which her nephew used. 

It had never been his custom to speak to her 
so peremptorily, and the tears came very near 
her eyelids. 

“ Excuse me, Aunt Lois, if I spoke sharply ; 
but you know the circumstances, which we have 
no need to discuss here, and how important it is 
we should get through. Now the matter shall 
rest entirely with you.” 

“ It wouldn’t take very long for you young 
gentlemen to go back,” Jackson suggested. 

“ But that is exactly what we sha’n’t do. If 
you are injured so severely that it is impossible 


80 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


to help yourself, I am willing, in order to re- 
lieve your sufferings, to continue the journey on 
foot, and give you the use of our teams ; but 
more than that is out of the question. Will you 
go, Aunt Lois ?” 

“ I shall be forced to, if you are so persist- 
ent.” 

“ Then it is decided, and we shall each make 
as early a start as possible, for Jackson cannot 
see the doctor any too soon, and Dick and I pro- 
pose to be on our way by break of day.” 

Aunt Lois appeared as if trying to resign her- 
self to what was inevitable, while Gladys and 
Alice were thoroughly surprised by this appar- 
ently sudden change in Phil’s plans. 

During perhaps five minutes no one spoke, 
the girls meanwhile washing the dishes, and 
then, as Phil began to arrange the beds, Jackson 
asked : 

“ Do you think it is safe to send the women 
folks back with the teams ?” 

“ Why isn’t it ?” 

“You should know that best ; but suppose an 
accident happened ? The horses might get into 


ON GUARD. 


81 


trouble, and I am in no condition to give any 
assistance.’ ’ 

44 It would be unfortunate anything of the 
kind should occur, because we are forced to take 
the chances.” 

“ Do you think there is any possibility of 
finding Benner ?” 

44 I am not speculating on that,” Phil replied 
curtly. 

Again there was a brief silence, and again 
Jackson broke it. 

44 I am sorry to put you out of the way so 
much, and rather than do so, will go on with 
you. Perhaps this liniment an’ what medicine 
I have taken will help my leg so I’ll be sound 
as ever in a day or two.” 

44 1 thought your only desire was to see a doc- 
tor.” 

44 That is what I want, of course ; but I can- 
not think of giving you so much trouble.” 

44 Yet you would prefer to go to Milo, provid- 
ing Dick and I accompany you ?” 

Jackson could not prevent himself from dis- 
playing a certain amount of confusion. 


82 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ I had not thought of how much trouble I 
should be making ; but now that I see it, I’m 
willing to bear the pain rather than put you out 
so much.” 

“ What resignation !” Aunt Lois exclaimed 
softly as she folded her hands and gazed admir- 
ingly at the alleged sufferer. 

“ Look here, Jackson,” Phil said sharply, “ I 
am not disposed to carry you as far as we intend 
to go, for the horses have as heavy loads as 
they can drag, and I would prefer to send you 
back.” 

“ Now, Philip, how unreasonable you are !” 
Aunt Lois cried. “ This poor man is willing to 
endure terrible pain rather than interfere with 
your mission. I am sure everything will be for 
the best if he goes with us, and positive I can 
minister to his wants as well as any physician 
you would find in Milo.” 

Now it was Phil’s turn to be confused. This 
plan for forcing the man to betray himself was 
not working as he had desired, and to take the 
enemy with them was anything rather than 
pleasant. 


ON GUARD . 


83 


While he remained silent Aunt Lois and Jack- 
son appeared to have settled the matter between 
themselves, and, glancing meaningly toward 
Dick, Phil abruptly left the camp. 

His cousin joined him on the outside a mo- 
ment later, and the two walked so far away that 
their conversation could not be overheard. 

“ It looks to me, Phil, as if you were out of 
the frying-pan into the fire. That fellow has 
made up his mind to stay with us, and nothing 
less than a declaration of war will prevent him.” 

“ I’d soon make it but for the fear that he 
has comrades near at hand, who may be this 
moment listening to us,” and Phil lowered his 
voice to a whisper. “ Having done so much, I 
do not question but that he would resort to force 
to prevent us from getting through ; and if such 
should be the case, we’d be worsted.” 

“ It begins to look to me as if we were in that 
condition already.” 

“ No ; for there is yet a chance we may out- 
wit him.” 

“ Then you propose to carry this fellow along 
with us to-morrow morning V ’ 


84 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ I don’t see any other course to be pur- 
sued. ’ ’ 

“Well,” Dick said half to himself, “1 
came down here into Maine expecting to have 
some excitement in the way of hunting, but I 
never bargained for quite so much as we are 
getting. 1 do not understand why it’s so im- 
portant this man should prevent your seeing 
Benner.” 

“ The only reason father gave was that if he 
should begin cutting on the stumpage which 
the court has decided doesn’t belong to him, he 
would make himself liable for damages. In 
some way, I suppose, this man, or those who 
employ him, would be benefited. At all events, 
it’s positive we’ve got to do some very lively 
hustling during the next four days, and what I 
wanted to see you for was this : We must re- 
main on guard all night without allowing Jack- 
son, if that really is his name, to know it. 
When we turn in, you can go to sleep. I’ll 
remain awake as long as possible, and on finding 
that 1 cannot keep my eyes open any longer, 
will arouse you. Then you shall do the same, 


ON GUARD. 


85 


and one or the other of us will remain on watch 
all night.” 

“ Don’t you think it would be a good idea to 
have a gun where you could get hold of it in 
case this fellow’s friends come to make a dis- 
turbance ?” 

“ I have taken care of that, and it’s under my 
blanket. Of course we do not want to do any- 
thing desperate unless it should so chance that 
the lives of some of our party were really in 
danger. ” 

“ I understand that ; but it makes a fellow 
feel easier to have a weapon where he can get at 
it in case of an emergency. Is there anything 
more you want to say ?” 

“ Nothing, except to repeat that we must re- 
main on guard every moment of the time from 
now until we find Benner— if we ever do.” 

“ Then let’s get back to the camp. The girls 
do not understand why you are handling Jack- 
son so carefully, after we’re convinced he is an 
impostor ; but I’ll find an opportunity to tell 
them before we go to bed.” 

When they entered the tent Aunt Lois was 


86 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


administering another dose to the alleged suf- 
ferer, and Phil smiled grimly, for he realized 
that if the little woman was allowed full sway in 
the matter, Jackson would most surely be pun- 
ished for his treachery. 

Dick contrived to call Gladys and Alice out 
under some trifling pretext, and when they re- 
turned they looked more cheerful but hardly less 
anxious than before. 

During the hour which elapsed before Phil 
gave the signal for retiring, Jackson had very 
little to say. He was probably content with 
having caused so much of a halt, and with the 
knowledge that he would be with those whom 
he wished to detain at least during another day. 
So satisfied was he that he ceased to moan as 
often, and Aunt Lois said gravely : 

“ I knew I could relieve you in some meas- 
ure, Mr. Jackson. 1 have not made a study of 
nursing for so many years without having arrived 
at some results. I should not be surprised if 
you were feeling quite like yourself by morning, 
after we have been able to check the inflamma- 
tion. ’ ’ 


ON GUARD. 


87 


“ There is no question about that,” Dick 
said dryly, and Jackson looked up at him 
quickly. 

“ Now, Philip,” the little woman continued, 
“ you and Richard must pay strict attention to 
my instructions, and see that they are faithfully 
carried out during the night, even though it may 
cost you some rest. “ If a spoonful of that” — 
and she pointed to a tin dipper nearly filled with 
a dark, disagreeable-looking mixture — “ be given 
every half hour, and one of these powders every 
hour, we shall have a decided change in the pa- 
tient by daylight.” 

“ Even if his leg isn’t hurt as badly as you 
imagine, he stands a good chance of being laid 
up for a spell through your medicines, Aunt 
Lois,” Dick said in a tone very like that of satis- 
faction, while the girls and Phil appeared 
amused. “ I believe I had as soon break a 
bone outright as to take those hourly and half- 
hourly doses.” 

“ That is because you do not understand the 
efficacy of the remedies, Richard.” 

“ You are right, Aunt Lois ; but Jackson will 


88 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


have a pretty good idea of them before morn- 
ing, for Phil and 1 shall take precious good care 
he doesn’t miss a single dose.” 

The invalid was far from being content with 
this arrangement ; but when he would have in- 
sisted that so much medicine was not necessary, 
Aunt Lois interrupted him by saying in a tone 
which admitted of no discussion : 

“ You do not know what is best for you, Mr. 
Jackson, and I do, so we’ll say nothing more 
about it. You will follow my instructions to 
the letter.” 

Then Aunt Lois and the girls went into their 
own tent, and Phil realized that the little woman 
had done him a great favor unintentionally. 
With this medicine-giving as a pretext, he or 
Dick could remain on guard all night without 
allowing Jackson an opportunity of suspecting 
that his real character was known, and he said as 
he looked at his watch : 

“ The next dose from the tin dipper is to be 
given in ten minutes. Forty minutes later comes 
the powder, and so on. Do you understand the 
instructions, Dick ?’ ’ 


ON GUARD. 


89 


“ Perfectly.” 

“ It will be necessary one of ns remain awake, 
and I’ll stand the first watch. Somewhere about 
midnight I’ll call you. We must not neglect a 
single dose if we want to give Aunt Lois’ plan a 
fair trial.” 

“ Now, look here, boys, you know and I 
know that there is no necessity of a man’s takin’ 
medicine when he has a broken leg. ” 

“ But that is not what you are afflicted with, 
Jackson. If the smallest bone had been broken 
the limb would be swollen now so badly that we 
should have to cut your boots off, whereas 
there is no sign of inflammation.” 

“ Then it’s a sprain, an’ how is medicine goin’ 
to tackle a trouble like that ?” 

“ Of course I don’t know anything about it, 
except that you have appeared very much easier 
since the treatment was begun, and I sha’n’t 
allow you to go contrary to my aunt’s instructions 
in the slightest particular. Every dose shall go 
down your throat, even if Dick and I are obliged 
to use force. This is a case where a harsh measure 
may be necessary for the benefit of the patient.” 


90 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


Jackson gave vent to a sigh, and Phil enjoyed 
in anticipation the discomfort which, under the 
guise of kindliness, he could cause this man who 
was trying to work them such serious injury. 

Dick rolled himself in his blanket, while Phil 
sat upright, acting the part of guard and nurse, 
and each time he followed Aunt Lois’ instruc- 
tions one would have said he found great delight 
in thus performing an act of charity. 

At least once every fifteen minutes during his 
time of watching he made a complete circuit of 
the tents, and visited the stable to assure himself 
there was no evil-disposed person in the imme- 
diate vicinity. 

Before two hours had elapsed Jackson fell 
asleep, but Phil relentlessly awakened him as 
the time for the medicine-giving arrived, threat- 
ening to use absolute force whenever the man 
would have turned from the nauseous potion. 

At midnight Phil awakened his cousin, and 
said sufficiently loud for the patient to hear : 

u Jackson has just had the powder and the 
liquid. In half an hour more another dose of 
the liquid, and so on. In order to keep yourself 


ON GUARD . 


91 


awake, it will be a good idea to go around the 
encampment at least once every fifteen minutes, 
and be sure to see the horses are all right every 
time you look into the stable. Call me at four 
o’clock, and we’ll begin to pack.” 

“ It won’t be light enough for you to see 
what you are doing at that time,” Jackson 
growled. 

“ We have two lanterns, my friend, and you 
can count on it as a fact that we shall leave 
here not later than five o’clock, whether it is 
light or dark, stormy or pleasant,” and Phil 
“ turned in” by covering himself with his 
blanket. 


CHAPTER V. 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 

Promptly at four o’clock Dick aroused Phil, 
and made a brief statement of the condition of 
affairs. 

“ I’ve walked around the tents every fifteen 
minutes without having seen anything wrong. 
The horses are all right, and have just been fed. 
Jackson has had his medicine regularly, but in- 
sists that he will take no more. His leg is not 
swollen, but he begins to look sick.” 

“ So would any man after bein’ dosed as I’ve 
been,” the alleged cripple growled. “ I believe 
that old woman counted on poisoning me.” 

“ Better keep any such idea as that to your- 
self,” Phil said sternly. “ She is trying to do 
you good, and I won’t allow a word spoken 
against her !” 

“ But look here, Ainsworth, I’m limp as a rag 
this morning, an’ it must be the medicine.” 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 93 


“ What about your leg? A severe sprain 
might pull you down a good bit.” 

“ 1 don’t think it is even a sprain now. It 
doesn’t ache as much as it did, and the swellin’ 
has gone down.” 

“ There has been no swelling whatever since 
I saw it,” Dick interrupted. 

“ I agree it didn’t look bad,” Jackson re- 
plied with a whine, ‘ ‘ but it ached powerful for 
a spell. ’ ’ 

“ All of which proves you have been bene- 
fited by the medicine, and I shall not allow you 
to stop taking it unless you confess that you are 
well enough to be left behind.” 

“ I can’t say what ain’t true, my boy ; an’ 
you must know yourself that I’m in no fit condi- 
tion to be turned loose, specially after I’ve taken 
so much of your aunt’s dosin’.” 

“ We won’t argue the matter,” Phil replied, 
striving not to allow the mirth in his heart show 
itself on his face. “ If we are forced to take 
care of you, Aunt Lois’ instructions must be car- 
ried out to the letter. Now, Dick, if you’re 
ready we’ll begin packing.” 


94 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


It was not yet daylight when Phil summoned 
the girls and Aunt Lois to a breakfast of cold 
meat, bread and butter, and there were only the 
faintest signs of the coming day in the eastern 
sky when the little party set out once more. 

Phil had decided that Gladys should act as 
driver of the surrey, and Alice sat beside her. 

In his character of invalid, Jackson was given 
a place by the side of Aunt Lois, where, as the 
boys felt confident, there would be no question 
as to his taking the prescribed doses with the 
utmost regularity. 

Both Phil and Dick were to walk during this 
day’s journey, in order to lighten Jack’s load, 
and the order of march was reversed, that the 
baggage wagon might go in advance. 

“ The question is, whether we shall meet with 
any of Jackson’s friends to-day,” Dick said in a 
whisper as he and his cousin trudged along by 
the side of Jack, forced to walk with bodies bent 
in order to distinguish the faint outline of a road 
in the gloom. 

“ I’m inclined to think they won’t molest us 
while he is in our company. They’ll depend 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 95 


upon him to make certain we don’t get through 
on time, and he is the one we must watch dur- 
ing this day’s work. It’s safe to say he’ll do 
mischief at the first opportunity.” 

“ If Aunt Lois has the management of affairs 
twenty-four hours longer, he won’t be in condi- 
tion to do very much. Do you know, Phil, I 
really believe the enormous quantity of medicine 
she is administering, in connection with his 
own fears, will result in making him seriously ill. ” 

“In which case she’ll be doing us a grand 
good turn without knowing it. Keep your eyes 
on Jackson every moment he is out of the sur- 
rey, and I’ll do the same. If we are wide awake, 
it should be possible to travel farther to-day than 
he anticipates.” 

Two hours elapsed before the travellers arrived 
within sight of the Joe Mary Lakes, and Phil 
said mournfully, as he pointed to the blue waters 
which were turned to gold by the rays of the 
morning sun : 

“ There is where we should have stopped last 
night, and by this time we’d be well along with 
the third day’s task !” 


96 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ Never mind, Phil,” Gladys cried cheer- 
fully, “ don’t cry over spilled milk ; and un- 
less Mr. Jackson grows suddenly worse, we may 
be able to make up the lost time before night. ’ ’ 

“ I hope he won’t have a relapse, because in 
such a case I should feel obliged to abandon him. 
There can be no question of turning back to 
Milo, now we are so far beyond it.” 

Jackson bit his lips as he smiled ; there was a 
threat in the boy’s words which he understood 
plainly, and he might not find it as easy to delay 
this party as he had fancied. 

A mile farther on the road forked to the right, 
and Jackson shouted : 

“ If you’re bound for your father’ s camps, it’ll 
pay you to take this turn ; it’s four or five miles 
nearer the West Branch ford.” 

“I’ll keep on the road I’m acquainted with,” 
Phil replied, and Aunt Lois asked quickly : 

“ Why don’t you go as Mr. Jackson suggests, 
Philip ? Of course he is familiar with the near- 
est way, and by taking him as a guide we shall 
save many miles, 1 have no doubt.” 

“I’m not so certain of that, Aunt Lois. I 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 97 


know where I am now, which is more than I 
might be able to say after we had ridden in that 
direction a couple of hours.” 

“ But I’m acquainted with every inch of the 
way, Ainsworth. You can’t want to get to the 
camp any worse ’n I do. ” 

“ That remains to be seen,” and Phil quick- 
ened his pace to prevent any further conversa- 
tion on the subject. 

“ He didn’t make much that round,” Dick 
whispered gleefully. “ 1 suppose he counted 
on your doing whatever he advised.” 

“ 1 shouldn’t have done so, even if he had 
proven to be what he professes. This has al- 
ways been said to be the most direct road to the 
ford, and I’d hesitate a long while before accept- 
ing any man’s word to the contrary.” 

When a halt was made at noon the spirits of 
Phil and Dick had risen very decidedly. 

The road had not been as bad as was expected, 
and after six hours of steady travelling it was 
safe to assume they had covered considerably 
more than half the distance between the last 
camp and the halting-place for the close of the 


98 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


third day’s journey as set down in Mr. Ains- 
worth’s schedule. 

Jackson was moody and silent during the 
noonday halt. 

In the hope of exciting Aunt Lois’ sympathy 
to such an extent that she would insist upon a 
halt on his account, he had complained during 
the forenoon that his injured limb was causing 
him severe pain, and she replied by doubling his 
dose of drugs, saying, as she literally forced him 
to swallow the disagreeable mixture : 

“ We have proven, Mr. Jackson, that this is 
exactly what you need, and if you are not more 
comfortable in an hour, we will still further in- 
crease the quantity. I am surprised at my 
success in ministering to such an injury as 
yours !” 

Gladys and Alice were forced to look straight 
at Bessie’s head in order to hide their mirth. 
This meeting an evil-doer with medicine seemed 
very comical to them. 

Jackson allowed himself to be assisted from 
the vehicle when the halt was finally made, and 
during the hour and a half the little party re- 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 99 


mained at this place either Dick or Phil kept 
him under constant surveillance. 

The horses had been fed generously, and were 
not displaying nearly as much fatigue as on the 
previous day. 

“ Unless something serious happens, we will 
ford the West Branch to-night, even if we do 
not arrive there until after sunset,” Phil said to 
his cousin when they were “ on the road” once 
more, 

“ Keep the horses moving as long as possible. 
Aunt Lois and the girls should be able to ride as 
many hours as we can walk, and it will be a 
big thing if we make up the time lost yesterday.” 

During this afternoon there was but little con- 
versation indulged in between the boys. It was 
as if they were so careful to husband their 
strength for the long tramp, that they could 
not afford even the slight exertion of talking. 

Phil steadily led the way, allowing Jack to 
choose his own pace, believing he would thus 
hold out the longer ; and when, late in the after- 
noon, they were nearing the ford, he whispered 
to Dick : 


100 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


<c Fall back and remain by the side of the sur- 
rey, in order to keep your eyes on Jackson. By 
this time he must know we have made up the 
time lost through him, and will be ready to do 
mischief.” 

“ It puts me in a rage to see him riding there 
by Aunt Lois’ side while we walk.” 

“So that we get the best of him, it’s all 
right ; and perhaps after this job is finished we 
may be able to square matters with that pre- 
cious rascal, if Aunt Lois has not already 
done so.” 

Dick did as he was requested, but refused to 
be led into a conversation by Jackson, who ap- 
peared most eager to learn where the boys pro- 
posed to camp that night. 

The fellow had ceased to complain through 
fear of the little woman, who was ready to 
double or quadruple his potion of drugs at the 
first intimation of severe suffering. 

It was not yet four o’clock when the river 
was seen in the distance, and for the first 
time that day Phil urged Jack to a faster 
pace. 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 101 


“ Is that the stream we are to cross, Rich- 
ard ?” Aunt Lois asked. 

“ Yes, aunt.” 

“ Is it dangerous ?” 

iC If you’d seen the accidents on that hit of 
water which I have, you’d think it was danger- 
ous,” Jackson said, before Dick had time to 
reply. 

“ Oh, dear ! Oh, dear ! I do believe Philip 
is intending to drive right into the river, with- 
out waiting to ascertain which is the safest 
point !” 

“ If he’ll listen to me I can tell him how 
to put the horses across without sending them in 
over their knees,” Jackson said eagerly, and 
Aunt Lois bent forward as if to hail Phil ; but 
Dick said sharply, before she could speak : 

“ He doesn’t need to be told, and I hardly 
think he would listen to advice, so please don’t 
speak to him. I’ll take the reins until we are 
on the other side,” and he leaped lightly into 
the vehicle, seating himself between Gladys and 
Alice. 

By this time Phil, with the baggage wagon, 


102 


OH SCHEDULE TIME. 


was in mid-stream, and Dick watched carefully 
his every movement, that Bessie might be forced 
to follow in the footsteps of Jack. 

As a matter of course Aunt Lois was terrified 
when the water came within an inch of the car 
riage floor ; but fortunately her screams could 
not prevent the passage, and before she had time 
to give full sway to her fears they were on the 
opposite side. 

“ Here is where we’ll camp !” Phil cried, as 
he reined in Jack on a level piece of cleared 
ground. 

“ Why not go among the trees ?” Alice asked. 

u Because I prefer to camp in the open, where 
we can see readily in case we should have unwel- 
come visitors. Come, girls, set about unpacking 
the wagon while Dick and I put up the tents.” 

Ten minutes later all save Aunt Lois and 
Jackson were busily engaged, and each of the 
laborers kept strict watch of the alleged invalid, 
rendering it impossible for him to leave the car- 
riage even for an instant without being ob- 
served. 

With the exception of the stable, the tents 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 103 


were put up less carefully than usual on this 
evening. Phil was eager to have the task com- 
pleted in the shortest possible space of time, and 
also wished to so arrange it that the least amount 
of work would be necessary next morning. 

Then Jackson was assisted into the cook-tent, 
where Aunt Lois made certain he was comfort- 
able before she left him to aid the girls in set- 
ting their sleeping quarters to rights. 

By a prearranged plan, Dick performed all 
the outdoor work, and Phil had only the cook- 
ing to attend to, therefore he was able to keep 
close watch over the alleged invalid. 

So engrossed were the boys with their plans 
for preventing mischief that they neglected even 
to congratulate each other upon being on sched- 
ule time once more, and that very important 
matter was not so much as referred to during 
the half hour the travellers sat together discuss- 
ing supper. 

A few moments later Phil gave the word, “ All 
hands turn in,” and the occupants of the wom- 
en’s quarters were glad to obey, for the long 
journey had tired them decidedly. 


104 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


Before leaving the cook-tent Aunt Lois re- 
peated her instructions relative to giving Jackson 
medicine, and when she left them the pretended 
cripple said emphatically : 

“ I’ve taken the last of her messes, and that’s 
flat ! She’s actually killin’ me !” 

“ According to your own story you are much 
better than when we found you by the side of 
the road,” Phil replied sharply. 

“ Yes, I’ll admit she’s helped my leg ; but 
what kind of a stomach will I have if I take a 
couple quarts more of that mixture ?” and he 
pointed to the tin cup which the little woman 
had left in a prominent position, lest even one 
dose should be forgotten. 

“ Of course 1 can’t predict as to that, but 
this much is certain : When you are so far re- 
covered as not to need what she chooses to ad- 
minister, I shall consider that you are well 
enough to shift for yourself.” 

“ Which means that I wouldn’t be allowed to 
ride any more ?” 

“ Exactly ; and there is no reason why we 
should discuss the matter.” 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 105 


“ It’s take that stuff or walk ?” 

Phil nodded ; he could not trust himself to 
speak lest he should laugh outright, so comical 
in his distress was this rascal who was rapidly 
being overpowered by the contents of Aunt 
Lois’ medicine-chest. 

“ We’ll attend to the nursing the same as 
we did last night, I suppose ?” Dick said, as he 
wrapped himself in his blanket. 

“ Yes, except that perhaps it would be as 
well to divide the time into two-hour watches. 
I am so tired I’m afraid I couldn’t keep my eyes 
open until midnight.” 

“ All right ; arrange it to suit yourself, and 
call me when you want to turn in.” 

“ I’m willin’ to do my share,” Jackson inter- 
rupted in what he intended should be a friendly 
tone. “ I’ll feel better if I’m doin’ some part 
of the work.” 

“ A man who can’t walk wouldn’t be of very 
much service around the camp.” 

“ There’s no need of runnin’ out so often to 
see the horses. If they got into trouble you’d 
soon know — ” 


106 


OJST SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ I don’t intend they shall get into trouble, or 
that any one shall interfere with them. You’d 
better get a nap while you can, for your next 
dose must be taken in twenty minutes.” 

When Phil left the tent he could see Dick’s 
blanket shaking as if its owner was suffering 
from an ague fit, and he hurried toward the 
stable in order to give vent to his own mirth. 

At ten o’clock Dick was awakened by his 
cousin. 

“ You’ve had a two-hour nap, and now it’s 
my turn. Jackson has just taken his mixture, so 
there’s nothing to be done here for half an hour. 
Keep your eyes on the stable. Both horses are 
lying down now, and until you hear one or the 
other get up, don’t disturb them, for the more 
rest they have to-night the more miles we shall 
make to-morrow.” 

At midnight Dick awakened Phil and report- 
ed that everything was quiet, after which he 
rolled himself in the blanket, falling asleep 
almost as soon as he was in a recumbent posi- 
tion. 

Two hours later he went on duty again, and it 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 107 


seemed to Phil as if he had but just closed his 
eyes in slumber when he was aroused to find 
Dick's hand pressed over his mouth, and to hear 
the whisper : 

“ I pretended I was asleep in order to see 
what Jackson would do. He spoke to me softly 
once or twice, and, getting no answer, has just 
crept out of the tent. If we follow him we 
shall learn what mischief he has on hand.” 

Phil arose instantly, but when the boys 
emerged from the tent Jackson was nowhere to 
be seen. 

“ He has run away from Aunt Lois’ dosing,” 
Dick said, with a smothered laugh ; but Phil 
went with all speed toward the stable. 

Opening the flap softly he saw, by the light 
of the lantern suspended from the ridge pole, 
the invalid, who had declared it was impossible 
for him to bear any weight on his injured limb, 
creeping stealthily toward Jack with an open 
knife in his hand. 

There was no time for thought. At any in- 
stant he might wound or kill the poor beast ; 
and Phil, acting on an impulse, leaped directly 


108 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


upon the fellow’s back, hurling him to the 
ground almost directly under the horse’s feet. 

“ Come quick, Dick ! Come quick !” he 
shouted, and then it was impossible to say more, 
for Jackson had twisted himself around in such 
a manner as to gain a hold of the boy’s throat. 

Dick obeyed none too soon, but during a mo- 
ment he was unable to decide in what way he 
could aid his cousin. Jackson was brandishing 
the knife with one hand as he clutched Phil 
with the other, and crying : 

“ Keep back ! Keep back, or I’ll do you 
some mischief !” 

The axe had been left at the rear of the stable, 
and Dick suddenly saw it. 

Seizing the tool he rushed forward, bent on 
striking the scoundrel down regardless of the 
consequences, when the battle was suddenly and 
unexpectedly ended. 

The two on the ground were close by Jack’s 
heels, and as Jackson flourished the knife he 
inadvertently scratched the horse. 

In an instant old Jack lashed out with both 
feet, striking Aunt Lois’ patient on the side and 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 109 


shoulder, and hurling him half a dozen paces 
outside the tent. 

“ That horse shall have an extra feed of oats 
if I live long enough to give it to him !” Dick 
cried, as he dragged his cousin beyond reach of 
the animal’s heels, and then ran to where Jack- 
son was lying silent and motionless. 

The noise had awakened the occupants of the 
women’s tent, and Aunt Lois’ voice was heard 
crying shrilly : 

“ What is the matter % Philip ! Richard ! 
Is Mr. Jackson worse ?” 

“ I reckon he is,” Phil replied grimly. “ It 
wouldn’t be a bad idea if you came out, for this 
time he needs something more than medi- 
cine !” 

“ The poor man!” Aunt Lois exclaimed; 
and then it was evident she was making ready 
to visit him. 

“ Is he hurt much ?” Phil asked, joining his 
cousin who was standing over the prostrate 
rascal. 

“ I can’t make out ; but it’s certain he’s not 
as sound as he was. He appears to be uncon- 


110 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


scious ; but no one can say that he isn’t sham- 
ming, and we’d better not trust him too far,” 

Phil ran back for the stable lantern, and re- 
turned with it just as Aunt Lois arrived. 

Jackson was not shamming. His left arm 
was twisted beneath his body, showing that the 
bone was broken, and his face covered with 
blood. 

There was no longer any danger this one par- 
ticular enemy of Mr. Ainsworth’s would work 
them any harm. 

Hurriedly Phil told his aunt what suspicions 
he and Dick had had concerning the fellow, and 
what he was detected in doing, but it was sev- 
eral moments before she understood the whole 
story. 

Then her first exclamation was : 

“ To think of my wasting medicine on such a 
bad man !” But immediately afterward her 
kindly heart prompted her to add, “ It makes 
no difference what he would have done, boys, 
he is in distress now, and it is our duty to care 
for him to the utmost of our ability. Dick, 
bring me water and a towel. Phil, tell Gladys 


TRAVELLING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. HI 


to give you the scissors from my satchel, and 
then get me adhesive plaster from the medicine- 
chest.” 

That the man was seriously injured could be 
told after the briefest examination, and Aunt 
Lois said with a sigh, as she bathed the sufferer’s 
face : 

“ This time, Phil, I’m afraid there’s no ques- 
tion but that you must go to Milo, if that is the 
nearest point where a surgeon can be found. 
Such injuries as these are beyond my power to 
care for.” 

“ I’ll not allow that he shall stop — ” 

Phil checked himself, as if ashamed of what 
he was about to say, and Jackson opened his 
eyes. 

“ Who struck me ?” 

“ The horse you were trying to maim or kill,” 
Aunt Lois replied solemnly. 

“ I reckon I’m knocked out, eh ?” 

“ 1 don’t know what you mean by that, but 
it is evident you are in a critical condition. One 
arm is broken and some of your ribs fractured, 
I think.” 


112 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ Can 1 get back to Milo ?” 

u You are too severely injured to be moved. 
A doctor must be brought here, if such a thing 
be possible ; we can do nothing for you.” 

“ You mean you won’t ?” 

“ I would willingly do anything in my power, 
whatever mischief you have tried to work us ; 
but your condition is too serious for me to think 
of acting the part of physician.” 

Jackson tried to raise himself, but sank back 
with a genuine groan. 

“ I’m helpless !” he shrieked. 

“ You are very near death,” Aunt Lois said, 
as she laid her hands gently on his. 


CHAPTER VI. 


ON TIME. 

How that Jackson really needed assistance 
the boys forgot he was an enemy who would 
have done them grievous wrong, and ministered 
to his necessities, so far as possible, with as much 
tenderness as if he had been a friend. 

It was little they could do, however, after he 
had been carried to the cook-tent and laid upon 
a bed of blankets. 

There was no need for Aunt Lois to tell them 
a surgeon was required ; both realized the fact 
at a glance, and both understood that unless one 
was brought very speedily it would be too late. 

Aunt Lois had said in a whisper, when the 
sufferer lapsed into unconsciousness immediately 
after being taken to the tent : 

“ There is no time to be lost,” and Phil re- 
plied : 

“ As soon as it is light enough to see the way, 


114 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


some one shall start for Milo. I don’t suppose 
it would be safe to try to carry him ?” 

“ I shouldn’t like to take the responsibility. 
I have never had any experience with such inju- 
ries ; but it seems positive he would die before 
night, if forced to ride over these rough roads in 
a carriage like ours.” 

Phil was in great mental distress because of 
the conflicting duties. 

His father had impressed upon his mind the 
grave importance of finding Benner before the 
expiration of the sixth day, and if he should re- 
turn to Milo now there would no longer be the 
slightest possibility of arriving at Township 
Eight in time. 

Yet a fellow-creature’s life was at stake, and 
however worthless that life may have been, the 
boy shrank from even so much as thinking per- 
haps the injured man might be neglected until 
the mission was accomplished. 

He was standing by the side of Aunt Lois, 
looking down at Jackson’s pallid face on which 
the seal of death seemed already to have been 
set, when the man opened his eyes. 


ON TIME. 


115 


“ There’s no game about these bones being 
broken,” he said, as he tried to suppress a moan. 
“ What are you reckonin’ on doin’ with me 
now ?” 

“ We intend to ride to Milo for a doctor when 
the day breaks ; it is too dark now to see our 
way over the rough road, but as soon as possible 
one of us will start,” Phil replied, in a kindly 
tone. 

“ Do you think I can be taken there V ’ 

“ Aunt Lois says it would be dangerous for us 
to make the attempt with such teams as we have 
here ; but it should be possible to hire some 
kind; of a vehicle there in which you might be 
carried with at least some degree of safety.” 

“ An’ you count on givin’ up your father’s 
business to help me ? Is that it ?” 

“ I don’t see any other course. We cannot 
desert a man so near death as you appear to be, 
and—” 

“ I reckon there’s no need of my tellin’ you 
what I was tryin’ to do when the horse kicked 
me ?” 

“ No, for we saw it all.” 


116 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ Look here, Ainsworth, it will only serve me 
right if you keep on about your business and 
leave me to take care of myself. 1 was tryin’ to 
prevent you from gettin’ through before Benner 
begins work, and there are two ahead of me on 
the same errand. By strikin’ through the 
woods in a bee-line from here, instead of follow- 
in’ the road past Chamberlain Lake, you may 
give them the slip ; but the journey must be 
made on foot or horseback, for you couldn’t get 
the wagons along. It is between here and the 
lake that you’ll have trouble — leastways, that 
was the agreement in case I didn’t succeed in 
delayin’ you.” 

Phil started suddenly, like one who has solved 
a vexing problem. 

“ We shall get the doctor here, Jackson, and 
at the same time push through to Benner ! You 
have given me the very idea I wanted. Aunt 
Lois will do everything possible for you, and 
I hope your wounds are not as serious as we 
fear.” 

Then Phil left the tent hurriedly, almost 
stumbling over Dick, who had remained outside 


ON TIME . 


117 


the tent as if unwilling to be a witness of Jack- 
son’s suffering. 

“ We must give both horses a good breakfast, 
and then make ready for the journey.” 

“To Milo ?” 

“You will go there, and I shall keep on to 
Benner. Here is the idea, and we must work as 
we talk, for in half an hour it will be light 
enough to start,” Phil replied, as he hurried 
toward the stable. “ We’ll each go on horseback ; 
a couple of bags two-thirds full of grain will 
serve as saddles, and at the same time provide 
food for the animals. Will you make the at- 
tempt to find the town ?” 

“ Of course ; and it’s a great idea. But 
what about those fellows Jackson said were wait- 
ing for us ahead ?” 

“ By taking his advice I think I can give 
them the slip. Fortunately there is a small 
compass in the outfit, and with that I should be 
able to keep on the direct course. Tell the girls 
to put up such an amount of food as we can 
carry in our coat-pockets, and while that is being 
done I’ll groom the horses.” 


118 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


Dick started to obey without delay, and Phil 
had but just begun his portion of the task when 
Aunt Lois appeared at the flap of the tent. 

“ Richard has told me what you intend to do, 
Philip.” 

“ Yes, Aunt Lois, and it is the only course 
we can pursue in justice to both father and Jack- 
son. I hope you won’t make any objection, for 
there can’t be the slightest danger to you 
here, and Dick should be back in thirty-six 
hours.” 

“ How could 1 object, Philip, when you are 
simply doing your duty, and doing it bravely. 
The girls and I will care for the injured man, 
and we have no right to think of personal dis- 
comfort and fears at such a time. 1 only came 
to warn you to be careful. Those dreadful 
men — ’ ’ 

“ I believe 1 can give them the slip, Aunt 
Lois. There is certainly more chance of my 
doing so alone, than if all of us tried to go 
through. ” 

“ How long shall you be gone, if nothing hap- 
pens ?” 


ON TIME. 


119 


“ Father allowed that from this point we had 
three days in which to find Benner. By going 
on horseback, I count on doing it readily in 
forty-eight hours. Allow one full day to rest 
the horse, and twice that time to return. Dick 
ought to be here to-morrow night, for he has a 
fairly good road, and Jack can carry him to Milo 
before dark.” 

“ Kiss me, Philip, and 1 will go to the poor 
man. Y ou are a brave boy, and 1 pray God you 
may meet with no danger. Y our aunt loves you 
dearly, even if she does annoy you by fretting 
about trifles.” 

“You are a dear, good soul, Aunt Lois, and 
as stout-hearted as you are good when real 
trouble comes.” 

The little woman flung her arms around Phil’s 
neck, and as she did so he heard a half-sup- 
pressed sob, which told that although she was 
doing her best to appear brave, the prospect of 
being left alone in the wilderness with a dying 
man disheartened her. 

There was an unusual lump in the boy’s throat 
when his cousin returned with the packages of 


120 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


food, but, after an effort, lie succeeded in 
speaking with comparative calmness : 

“ The horses are ready ; we’ll fill the grain 
bags which are to serve as saddles and start. 1 
had rather try to make my way through the 
woods in the darkness than stay here an hour 
longer. Say, Dick, Aunt Lois is a dandy, and 
no mistake !” 

“ Of course she is. 1 expected we’d have a 
terrible time with her when she knew what we 
intended to do, but there was not so much as a 
squeak after 1 explained matters.” 

“ She has been out here, and came precious 
near breaking me all up by saying good-bye. 
Where are the girls V ’ 

“ Getting breakfast for us.” 

“ How long will it take them ?” 

“ Quite a while, 1 fancy. The coffee has but 
just been put on the stove.” 

“ Then suppose we slip away without their 
knowing it ? I don’t feel hungry.” 

“ Neither do I. Phil, are you quite sure of 
getting through all right ?” 

u I don’t believe there is much danger of 


OM TIME. 


121 


being lost, if that’s what yon mean. I’ve made 
my way through the woods by compass before, 
and should be able to do so now . 5 ’ 

“ You won’t take any unnecessary risks ?” 

“ Of course not, Dick. See here, if you and 
I want to be in the best condition for the work, 
we’d better not discuss what may happen. 
I’m afraid you’ll have trouble in finding your 
way.” 

“ There’s little danger of that, for the road 
is plainly defined on the other side of the 
river.” 

“ Have you ridden horseback before V ’ 

“ Never.” 

“ Then you — ” 

“ Now, Phil, you are going contrary to your 
own suggestion. Both the journeys must be 
made, and mine is more easily performed than 
yours. Strap the bag on Jack’s back, and I’ll 
be off.’ ’ 

Ten minutes later the boys parted with a 
silent hand- clasp, riding in opposite directions 
and proceeding but slowly, owing to the dark- 


ness. 


122 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


When Gladys entered the stable to announce 
that breakfast was ready she found the tent 
vacant, and ran back to her cousin with tears in 
her eyes. 

“ They have gone without saying a word 
to us !’ ’ 

“ Which shows that they are wise,” Aunt 
Lois said in a low tone. “ This is a time when 
we must think of others rather than ourselves, 
and leave-takings can do no good. We will try 
to do our part as well as I know the boys will do 
theirs.” 

“ What is there for us to do, Aunt Lois ?” 

“ Stop thinking of your brother and cousin, 
and eat a hearty breakfast. I’ll set the exam- 
ple, and then we’ll devote all our time to caring 
for Jackson.” 

“ Is he suffering much ?” 

“ He must be, but tries not to show it. That 
man isn’t as bad as he might be, and we won’t 
judge him by what he intended to do, be- 
cause we don’t know how he may have been 
tempted.” 

Then the little woman made a great pretence 


ON TIME. 


123 


of being hungry, but she did not deceive her 
nieces, for they observed that she ate only a por- 
tion of a biscuit, and even this was evidently 
done against her inclination. 

No man could have had more attentive nurses 
than did Jackson during the ensuing thirty-six 
hours. Aunt Lois remained by his side almost 
constantly, striving unsuccessfully to give him 
relief during his terrible suffering. 

Alice and Gladys brought water from the 
river, cooked such food as they fancied might 
tempt the wounded man’s appetite, and assisted 
their aunt in every possible way. Yet, even 
with these duties to occupy their time, the hours 
passed slowly, and during the afternoon of the 
second day both girls, when not otherwise en- 
gaged, remained just outside the tent which had 
been converted into a hospital, eagerly watching 
for Dick’s return. 

Because they began to expect him before it 
was reasonable to suppose he could return, the 
time of waiting was long and disheartening ; but 
just as the shadows of evening were lengthening 
into darkness his cheery voice was heard from 


124 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


the opposite side of the river, and five minutes 
later he was dismounting in front of the stable- 
tent, old Jack hanging his head and breathing 
hard, as if from long and severe traveling. 

66 Didn’t you find a doctor ?” Gladys asked in 
dismay, while Alice was greeting her brother as 
if she had never expected to see him again. 

“ Yes ; and he is on the way. When 1 had 
described our invalid, he thought he recognized 
him as a man by the name of Carter, who left 
Milo the day we drove through that town. He 
wasn’t disposed to come, much less hire a car- 
riage to take him back, but finally agreed to 
attend to the case properly after I promised that 
Phil and 1 would pay the bills if Uncle Ains- 
worth should refuse to do so.” 

Aunt Lois joined the little party while Dick 
was speaking, and when he concluded she said 
in a low tone : 

“ His name is Carter ; he admitted this noon 
that he had told us a wrong story about himself. 
But that fact doesn’t affect our duties in the 
matter ; we must aid him in every possible way 
while he is in such sore distress.” 


ON TIME. 


125 


“ Of course we will, Aunt Lois ; but he won’t 
be on our hands very much longer, if the doctor 
carries out his plan. He proposes to go back to 
Milo to-night, stopping here only long enough 
to feed the horses.” 

“ That is what should be done without delay, 
of course, for he can’t have proper attention 
from us. Will you come to see him, Dick ?” 

“What’s the need? 1 can’t do him any 
good.” 

“ It will at least show him you cherish no 
hard feelings against him.” 

“ 1 am not certain but that I do. If anything 
happens to Phil, or if he fails of seeing Benner 
in time, 1 shall have precious little friendship 
for this Mr. Carter.” 

“ Dick,” and Aunt Lois laid her hands on 
the boy’s shoulder, “I don’t think the poor 
fellow will live very long, because his wounds 
have virtually been uncared for — ” 

“I’ll go, aunt,” and Dick walked hurriedly 
toward the cook- tent, as if eager to have the in- 
terview over at once. 

Ten minutes later he emerged looking rather 


126 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


red around the eyes, and found that Aunt Lois 
and the girls had made ready a hearty supper 
for him. 

“ You must be very tired, my boy,’ ’ the little 
woman said affectionately, “ and immediately 
after eating this you are to go to bed in our 
tent.” 

u I’m a green hand at horseback-riding, and 
twenty-four hours on a meal-bag saddle has 
made me so stiff that it seems almost impossible 
to move.” 

“ The girls will wait upon you, for I must go 
back to the sick man and kissing Dick ten- 
derly, Aunt Lois went to resume her duties as 
nurse. 

Dick followed her instructions to the letter, 
after making certain Jack was properly cared 
for, and so soundly did he sleep that he was not 
aroused by the arrival of the doctor. He did 
not so much as open his eyes until next morn- 
ing, when the sun looked down inquisitively at 
the cluster of tents, as if asking why the occu- 
pants were idling at that hour in the day. 

“ Alice and 1 have fed and watered Jack,” 


ON TIME. 


127 


Gladys said, when Dick came out looking 
ashamed of himself for having slept so long. 

66 Why didn’t you call me V ’ 

“ Aunt Lois gave positive instructions that 
you were not to be disturbed.” 

“ Has Jackson — or Carter — been taken away ?” 

“ The doctor and another man came for him 
about eight o’clock last night, and remained here 
only an hour. The broken bones were set, and 
the wounds on his face and shoulder sewn up 
before they started.” 

u How did he appear ?” 

“ He was hardly conscious of what was being 
done, and the doctor said he thought there was 
very little hope of recovery, more particularly 
since it would be necessary to carry him so far 
over the rough roads. ” 

“ Where did you and Aunt Lois sleep ?” 

“ In your tent.” 

“ Well, listen to me, Miss Ainsworth. From 
this out, at least until Phil comes back, 1 
am the one who is to do the work and sleep 
around in odd corners, not you girls and Aunt 
Lois.” 


128 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


“ You will at least condescend to eat a portion 
of the breakfast we have cooked ?” Gladys asked, 
with mock courtesy. 

“ Yes, because the labor was performed while 
I knew nothing about it. The instructions I 
gave date only from this moment.’ ’ 

Despite his long rest, Dick found walking 
very painful exercise after his ride, and during 
the remainder of the day he did little more than 
lounge around the camp, while, regardless of 
his instructions, the girls did the greater portion 
of the work. 

On the following morning Aunt Lois peered 
eagerly up the faintly marked roadway from 
time to time, and her companions knew she had 
begun to expect Phil ; but no one said anything 
regarding the absent boy. It was as if the anx- 
iety of each member of the party was too great 
to admit of discussion regarding his safety ; 
but before nightfall all were in a state of expect- 
ancy. 

Wishing and watching did not lessen the time 
of his absence by so much as a minute, how- 
ever, although he did return safe and uninjured 


Otf TIME. 


129 


on the afternoon of the fourth day after his de- 
parture. 

It so chanced that at the moment of his com- 
ing those who were so anxious regarding his 
welfare had gone into the cook-tent, and not 
until he rode up to the stable did they realize he 
was with them once more. 

And then the welcome he received ! 

Aunt Lois cried because of joy and relief, 
while the girls hung around him as if admiring 
the tint of dark red which the elements had im- 
parted to his cheek, and Dick shook his hand so 
long and so fervently that this portion of the 
welcome became most painful. 

4 4 Yes, I got through in time, and with nearly 
six hours to spare 1” he said triumphantly, in 
reply to Dick’s eager question. 44 I pushed on 
just as long and fast as Bessie was willing to go, 
and it really seemed as if the little beast knew 
how important it was she should do her best. If 
I had arrived at the site of the main camp half 
an hour later I might have had a hard job to 
find Benner, for he was about to set off on a 
tramp to the upper end of the township. Every- 


130 


ON SCHEDULE TIME. 


tiling is arranged now, and we are at liberty to 
do as we please — that is to say, I’d like a few 
hours’ rest before we plunge into any very mad 
dissipations. What about Jackson ?” 

That story was soon told, and Phil said, as he 
in turn shook Dick by the hand : 

“ For a fellow who never had been on a 
horse’s back before, I say you did better work 
than 1.” 

“ The distance I had to ride was short as com- 
pared with your journey.” 

“ But I am accustomed to such jaunts, and 
you were green at the work. Now, what do 
you girls say to pushing on to Township Eight, 
Range Fourteen ? We can use the shanty which 
Benner built for himself if the nights are too 
cold to admit of sleeping under canvas comfort- 
ably, and we might jog along leisurely to-mor- 
row. Then you’ll have an opportunity to see 
what a lumberman’s home looks like, although 
it won’t be under the most favorable circum- 
stances, for the men are away by this time, mak- 
ing arrangements for working on some other 
stumpage. ’ ’ 


ON TIME. 


131 


This suggestion of Phil’s was finally adopted 
by the couriers, now turned pleasure-seekers 
without care, and the remainder of the time 
allotted to the outing was spent among the de- 
serted log camps, where the boys had ample op- 
portunity for fishing and hunting. 

With such portion of the excursion we have 
nothing to do, for the purpose of this narrative 
was accomplished when the travellers were no 
longer bound to “ schedule time.” 

The nights were cold and the ground covered 
with frost when the pleasure-seekers, who most 
certainly found that for which they sought, re- 
turned to civilization once more, none the worse 
because of, and considerably benefited by, their 
exertions. 

When they stopped at Milo it was learned 
that the man who would have done them so 
much injury had died twelve hours after his ar- 
rival, and Phil and Dick promptly paid the bill 
presented by the physician. 


THE END. 



































































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